Remember when the greatest player of all-time played the end of his career as a Met. We Met fans were lucky to have even a 41 year old Mays on their team. How well do you remember Willie Mays as a Met. Play the Willie Mays NY Met Trivia challenge.
Willie Mays New York Met Trivia Challenge
1) What year was Willie traded to the Mets?
A) 1975 B) 1970 C) 1972 D) 1974
2) What Giant Pitcher was he traded for?
A) Ray Sadecki B) Mike McCormick C) Charlie Williams D) Ed Halicki
3) Against what Red pitcher did Willie hit his 660th and final home run?
A) Dan Norman B) Don Gullett C) Jim Merritt D) Gary Nolan
4) Who did the Mets lose to in the 1973 World Series?
A) Detroit Tigers B) Oakland A's C) Chicago White Sox D) Baltimore Orioles
5) Who was the Mets manager during Mays tenure with the team?
A) Yogi Berra B) Wes Westrum C) Joe Frazier D) Gil Hodges
6) What Met player came up with the phrase 'You Gotta Believe' during their 1973 pennant run?
A) Jerry Koosman B) Ed Kranepool C) Tom Seaver D) Tug McGraw
7) After Met fans were throwing things at Pete Rose during Game 3 of Playoffs, there were six Met players who went out to fans and told them to stop throwing things. One was Willie. Who was the only pitcher in that group?
A) Tom Seaver B) Tug McGraw C) Jerry Koosman D) Jon Matlack
8) What was May's annual salary when he was traded to the Mets?
A) $300,000 B) $225,000 C) $135,000 D) $165,000
9) What Met player had to give up the Number 24 when Mays joined the team?
A) Mike Vail B) Jim Beauchamp C) Ron Swoboda D) Duffy Dyer
10) Who was the Met owner credited with bringing Willie back to NY as a Met?
A) Joan Payson B) George Weiss C) Bob Scheffing D) M. Donald Grant
Answers will be posted in a few days. You can find out how well you did on the Willie Mays New York Met trivia challenge?
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A) Joan Payson
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
1969 New York Mets Autographs
Check out the successes and failures of getting the 1969 New York Mets autographs in the mail at my autograph site http://sportsautographman.blogspot.com/
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Saturday, July 14, 2012
Billy Joel Trivia
There are few singers more associated with the Mets than the legendary Billy Joel. Lets see how you do on the Billy Joel trivia challenge? http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
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Sunday, July 8, 2012
Answers to Gil Hodges Trivia
Alright, fans of the legendary Met manager and Brooklyn Dodgers first base man---Gil Hodges, how did you do? Check out the answers below.
1) The part of the military that Hodges served in World War II was the Marine Corps where he was awarded a bronze star
2) In 1950, his four home runs in a nine inning game had only been done once in the prior fifty years by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig
3) He caught the last out of the 1955 World Series won by the Dodgers (Johnny Podres won the game). The throw was made to Hodges by Pee Wee Reese
4) His first managing job was with The Washington Senators
5) When Hodges manged the Mets, his third base coach in 1969 was 'The Walking Man', Eddie Yost
6) In 1969 Hodge's Mets won 100 games during the regular season
7) The average winners share in the World Series in 1969 was $18,388
8) The great quote about Hodges came from Branch Rickey
9) He started his career as a third baseman
10) His number was 14
How did you do? Let us know.
Yesterday, I got in the mail the best autographed card I ever received. Check out who it was on my new blog http://sportsautographman.blogspot.com/
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1) The part of the military that Hodges served in World War II was the Marine Corps where he was awarded a bronze star
2) In 1950, his four home runs in a nine inning game had only been done once in the prior fifty years by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig
3) He caught the last out of the 1955 World Series won by the Dodgers (Johnny Podres won the game). The throw was made to Hodges by Pee Wee Reese
4) His first managing job was with The Washington Senators
5) When Hodges manged the Mets, his third base coach in 1969 was 'The Walking Man', Eddie Yost
6) In 1969 Hodge's Mets won 100 games during the regular season
7) The average winners share in the World Series in 1969 was $18,388
8) The great quote about Hodges came from Branch Rickey
9) He started his career as a third baseman
10) His number was 14
How did you do? Let us know.
Yesterday, I got in the mail the best autographed card I ever received. Check out who it was on my new blog http://sportsautographman.blogspot.com/
This is a free blog and we only make money by supporting our advertisers. Please click their ads and show your support. Thank you.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Gil Hodges Trivia Quiz
How well do you know the 1969 New York Mets Manager Gil Hodges? See how you do in the Gil Hodges Trivia Challenge. Keep visiting Trivia Man to find answers.
1) In which part of the military did Gil Hodges serve in World War II?
2) In 1950, Hodges hit four home runs in a nine inning game--what hall of famer was the only other player to accomplish that feat in the prior fifty years?
3) Who threw the ball to Hodges for the final out of the 1955 World Series?
4) What team did he first manage after leaving the New York Mets in 1963?
5) Who was the Mets third base coach in 1969?
6) How many games did the Mets win in the 1969 regular season?
7) Within five thousand dollars, what was the individual winner's share in the 1969 World Series?
8) What Baseball Executive once said of Hodges, "He's the kind of boy who makes his scout's job safe for twenty years?"
9) Hodges broke into the majors with the Dodgers and played what position?
10) What was Hodges official number?
How well did you know Gil Hodges and should he be in the Hall of Fame. Let us know what you think?
Trivia Man is an absolutely free blog that is why we appreciate if you can support our ads. Thank you.
1) In which part of the military did Gil Hodges serve in World War II?
2) In 1950, Hodges hit four home runs in a nine inning game--what hall of famer was the only other player to accomplish that feat in the prior fifty years?
3) Who threw the ball to Hodges for the final out of the 1955 World Series?
4) What team did he first manage after leaving the New York Mets in 1963?
5) Who was the Mets third base coach in 1969?
6) How many games did the Mets win in the 1969 regular season?
7) Within five thousand dollars, what was the individual winner's share in the 1969 World Series?
8) What Baseball Executive once said of Hodges, "He's the kind of boy who makes his scout's job safe for twenty years?"
9) Hodges broke into the majors with the Dodgers and played what position?
10) What was Hodges official number?
How well did you know Gil Hodges and should he be in the Hall of Fame. Let us know what you think?
Trivia Man is an absolutely free blog that is why we appreciate if you can support our ads. Thank you.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Johan Santana No Hitter Quotes
Congratulations to Johan Santana for pitching the first no-hitter in Met history. No better way to celebrate (actually there are a lot of better ways) than with the top quotes about the no hitter. I also will provide my personal commentary about the no-hitter after the quotes. Way to go Johan.
"Finally, the first one. That is the greatest feeling ever."
---Johan Santana
I have been a Met fan for my entire life (and I'm not a kid). It meant a lot to finally get the no-hitter especially coming from a pitcher the caliber of Santana. In one of my awful predictions from the past, I thought that Oliver Perez would be the first Met to pitch a no-hitter (given his occasionally unbelievable stuff). I always thought during the 84 and 85 season that Gooden was the best pitcher I ever saw and was always amazed that he never had a no-hitter in every start.
Then there was Tom Seaver---the greatest Met pitcher of all-time...An icon. I remember watching the Mets play the Cubs in the 1969 season when Seaver was working not only on a no-hitter but a perfect game. Top of the ninth, Cub manager, Leo Durocher had Randy Hundley trying to bunt for a base hit. He gets thrown out at first. Next batter up is pinch hitter Jimmy Qualls. Who the hell is Jimmy Qualls? Well, he will live in Met infamy when he laced a base hit with one out ending Seaver's perfect game bid. Well, now the Jimmy Qualls curse is over. The Met have their first no-hitter and we have Johan Santana to thank for that. My next bold prediction---they will have another one this year and it will be from R.A. Dickey---you heard it hear first.
"Finally, the first one. That is the greatest feeling ever."
---Johan Santana
My Thoughts;
"Being part of this organization, they deserve one---they deserve more than one. All the great pitchers that have come through here."
--Josh Thole, on the Santana no-hitter and a tribute to all the great pitchers from the past who wore the Met uniform like Seaver, Gooden, Ryan and Koos
"I never had in my mind that I would throw a no-hitter, here. They're the world champs."
--Johan Santana, on his no-hitter coming against the Cardinals
"I'm glad I had a chance to be part of it."
--Mike Baxter, on his great catch to save the no-hitter
"It was amazing. An outstanding play that saved the game."
--Johan Santana, on Baxter's catch
"I thought it was a fair ball. At the end of the day, one hit wasn't going to make a difference in the ball game."
--Carlos Beltran, on the ball he hit that was ruled foul
"I just couldn't take him out, just couldn't do it."
--Terry Collins, on keeping Santana in the game well after his pitch count
I have been a Met fan for my entire life (and I'm not a kid). It meant a lot to finally get the no-hitter especially coming from a pitcher the caliber of Santana. In one of my awful predictions from the past, I thought that Oliver Perez would be the first Met to pitch a no-hitter (given his occasionally unbelievable stuff). I always thought during the 84 and 85 season that Gooden was the best pitcher I ever saw and was always amazed that he never had a no-hitter in every start.
Then there was Tom Seaver---the greatest Met pitcher of all-time...An icon. I remember watching the Mets play the Cubs in the 1969 season when Seaver was working not only on a no-hitter but a perfect game. Top of the ninth, Cub manager, Leo Durocher had Randy Hundley trying to bunt for a base hit. He gets thrown out at first. Next batter up is pinch hitter Jimmy Qualls. Who the hell is Jimmy Qualls? Well, he will live in Met infamy when he laced a base hit with one out ending Seaver's perfect game bid. Well, now the Jimmy Qualls curse is over. The Met have their first no-hitter and we have Johan Santana to thank for that. My next bold prediction---they will have another one this year and it will be from R.A. Dickey---you heard it hear first.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Karl Ehrhardt: The Mets Sign Man
It is appropriate on the Mets new Banner Day to pay tribute to the legendary Mets sign man, Karl Ehrhardt. What Met fan of a certain age does not remember the 1200 different signs that Ehrhardt created (he brought an average of sixty to every game). It was one of the great traditions of Shea Stadium to watch Ehrhardt do his magic during each Met game. Besides his wit, he didn't mind taking shots at the team as well. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 83.
As a tribute to him and because it is banner day at Citi Field, here are some of his all-time great signs:
"Look Ma, no Hands." (after Met Shortstop Frank Taveres would make an error)
Grant's Tomb (on the bad years of the Mets under M. Donald Grant)
Bye Bye Birdies (after Mets beat the Orioles in '69 World Series)
The King of Swings (on the Mets Dave Kingman)
Amazin
It's Alive, It's Alive (mimicking the Frankenstein monster, when a weak player got a hit)
There are no Words (after Game 5 of the 1969 World Series)
Nailed by the (picture of a Hammer)--This was a tribute to the Mets first baseman, John 'The Hammer' Milner
Toothless Cubs Just A Little Lip (on the Cubs falling apart in 1969 under manager Leo 'The Lip' Durocher)
This is the only video I could find of The Sign Man. It features Tom Seaver's return to Shea as a Red (shows Ehrhardt holding a sign saying 'We Came to Bury Seaver').
As a tribute to him and because it is banner day at Citi Field, here are some of his all-time great signs:
"Look Ma, no Hands." (after Met Shortstop Frank Taveres would make an error)
Grant's Tomb (on the bad years of the Mets under M. Donald Grant)
Bye Bye Birdies (after Mets beat the Orioles in '69 World Series)
The King of Swings (on the Mets Dave Kingman)
Amazin
It's Alive, It's Alive (mimicking the Frankenstein monster, when a weak player got a hit)
There are no Words (after Game 5 of the 1969 World Series)
Nailed by the (picture of a Hammer)--This was a tribute to the Mets first baseman, John 'The Hammer' Milner
Toothless Cubs Just A Little Lip (on the Cubs falling apart in 1969 under manager Leo 'The Lip' Durocher)
This is the only video I could find of The Sign Man. It features Tom Seaver's return to Shea as a Red (shows Ehrhardt holding a sign saying 'We Came to Bury Seaver').
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Mets April 2012 MVP
It was incumbent on the Mets to get a good start in April and they did. It portends well for the rest of the season---Great starting pitching, some strong relief pitching at points, some clutch hits and for the most part decent defense. If the season ended tomorrow, their 13-10 record would put them in the first round of the playoffs. They are already up 4.5 games on the Marlins and 2 ahead of the Phillies.
With the excellent start, there could be a lot of possible April MVP candidates.
The obvious ones are:
David Wright---.397, 14 rbi's, 3 home runs and only 11 K's. Intangibles include coming back after only a few days from what could have been an injury in which he could have easily ended up on the DL. That was an early turnaround point for the Mets
Kirk Nieuwenhuis--- .311, 6 rbi's, 2 home runs. Intangible include coming in after the Day 1 Torres injury and owning center field. He has brought energy, enthusiasm and great defensive play. Even though he only has 6 rbi's--he seems to get clutch hit after clutch hit (including last night).
Josh Thole---.322, 5 rbi's, 1 home run, .412 on base percentage. Intangibles include getting on base about twice a game every game. He has proven to be a consistent strong hitter and his defense has improved
Daniel Murphy--.311 and 7 rbi's. Intangible are that he is a hitting machine. The man can flat out hit as he proved last year as well. Always want him at bat in big situations.
Lucas Duda---.256, 13 rbi's and 4 home runs. Intangibles are his potential power numbers. Sure four home runs in a month does not conjure up images of Babe Ruth, but anyone who has consistently watched Met games can tell you is that he can be intimidating at the plate. He has also shown to be clutch. As Ike starts hitting, the power combination (including Wright) will be among the best in baseball.
Jon Niese---Four Game--- 2-0, 2.81 ERA. Intangibles are that he has been consistently good with strong control. He gives great hope for the future.
R.A. Dickey---Four Game--3-1, 4.44 ERA--Intangibles are that he has been a great leader and outside of one bad start explaining the 4.44 ERA, he has been terrific. Good sign that April is usually his worst month.
Jon Rauch-- 10.2 innings--3-0, 2.53 ERA---Intangibles are that he has been clutch game after game when they have needed him--just look at his record.
Bobby Parnell---3.48 in 10,1 innings---Intangibles are the most incredible stat of the month---15 k's in 10.1 innings. I think the maturation of Bobby Parnell has finally occurred. He could be a potential great future Met closer (though I still have faith in Francisco)
My Co-MVPS;
All these player could make a case for being the April Met MVP. Here are my two choices.
1) Johan Santana---Sure he has not won a game yet but his ERA is 2.25. Anyone who has seen him pitch this year knows he has one awful start, but other then that he has been dominant. Even when he doesn't have his best stuff, he can still pitch a great game (see Rockies last Sunday). He set the tone for the season on Day One. Who knows what will happen the rest of the way, but in April he proved again why he has been one of baseball's most dominant pitchers over the last decade.
2) Terry Collins---You got a love a manager who is about the players first--no bravado, no controversy, just playing the role of professional manager. This year he has played the role well---even keeled (for the most part), defends his teams, seems to handle the young guys well, good strategist. What's not to like.
Hopefully the Mets will continue their great play in May. I said before the season started that they would be a playoff team--I'm certainly not changing my tune after a good April.
Thanks to Ultimate Mets Database for proving to be a great resource for this article http://ultimatemets.com/profile.php?PlayerCode=0845
With the excellent start, there could be a lot of possible April MVP candidates.
The obvious ones are:
David Wright---.397, 14 rbi's, 3 home runs and only 11 K's. Intangibles include coming back after only a few days from what could have been an injury in which he could have easily ended up on the DL. That was an early turnaround point for the Mets
Kirk Nieuwenhuis--- .311, 6 rbi's, 2 home runs. Intangible include coming in after the Day 1 Torres injury and owning center field. He has brought energy, enthusiasm and great defensive play. Even though he only has 6 rbi's--he seems to get clutch hit after clutch hit (including last night).
Josh Thole---.322, 5 rbi's, 1 home run, .412 on base percentage. Intangibles include getting on base about twice a game every game. He has proven to be a consistent strong hitter and his defense has improved
Daniel Murphy--.311 and 7 rbi's. Intangible are that he is a hitting machine. The man can flat out hit as he proved last year as well. Always want him at bat in big situations.
Lucas Duda---.256, 13 rbi's and 4 home runs. Intangibles are his potential power numbers. Sure four home runs in a month does not conjure up images of Babe Ruth, but anyone who has consistently watched Met games can tell you is that he can be intimidating at the plate. He has also shown to be clutch. As Ike starts hitting, the power combination (including Wright) will be among the best in baseball.
Jon Niese---Four Game--- 2-0, 2.81 ERA. Intangibles are that he has been consistently good with strong control. He gives great hope for the future.
R.A. Dickey---Four Game--3-1, 4.44 ERA--Intangibles are that he has been a great leader and outside of one bad start explaining the 4.44 ERA, he has been terrific. Good sign that April is usually his worst month.
Jon Rauch-- 10.2 innings--3-0, 2.53 ERA---Intangibles are that he has been clutch game after game when they have needed him--just look at his record.
Bobby Parnell---3.48 in 10,1 innings---Intangibles are the most incredible stat of the month---15 k's in 10.1 innings. I think the maturation of Bobby Parnell has finally occurred. He could be a potential great future Met closer (though I still have faith in Francisco)
My Co-MVPS;
All these player could make a case for being the April Met MVP. Here are my two choices.
1) Johan Santana---Sure he has not won a game yet but his ERA is 2.25. Anyone who has seen him pitch this year knows he has one awful start, but other then that he has been dominant. Even when he doesn't have his best stuff, he can still pitch a great game (see Rockies last Sunday). He set the tone for the season on Day One. Who knows what will happen the rest of the way, but in April he proved again why he has been one of baseball's most dominant pitchers over the last decade.
2) Terry Collins---You got a love a manager who is about the players first--no bravado, no controversy, just playing the role of professional manager. This year he has played the role well---even keeled (for the most part), defends his teams, seems to handle the young guys well, good strategist. What's not to like.
Hopefully the Mets will continue their great play in May. I said before the season started that they would be a playoff team--I'm certainly not changing my tune after a good April.
Thanks to Ultimate Mets Database for proving to be a great resource for this article http://ultimatemets.com/profile.php?PlayerCode=0845
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Mets Beat Marlin in Reyes Return: Game Quotes
Post Game Quotes: Mets Beat Marlins in Jose Reyes' Return
As Jose Reyes returns to New York in front of an enthusiastic crowd of seventeen people (at least it seemed that way even to us loyal Met fans), the Mets continued to show why 2012 will be different. Coming off an awful doubleheader sweep and Bay and Pelfrey heading to DL, Mets needed a win in the worst way. Facing nemesis Josh Johnson and the return of Reyes would have spelled disaster in the past. Instead, Mets won on great pitching from Johan, Rausch and Francisco. On top of that they had some good defense and a clutch hit from Duda. All good stuff that I have not seen in recent years. You have to remain hopeful and enthusiastic about the 2012 New York Mets
Here are some post game Mets/Marlins quotes:
"I play for another team now. As I said, no hard feelings to no one."
--Jose Reyes, on coming back to Citi Field
"I've never seen anyone in the game bring that enthusiasm to the game. If I had to pay to watch someone play, I'd pay to watch this kid."
--Ozzie Guillen, on Jose Reyes
"That's what your big pitcher does. They stop stuff. They stop losing streaks."
--Terry Collins, on the great pitching of Johan Santana
"I think we had the right plan. It didn't work. They just couldn't throw strikes."
--Ozzie Guillen, on four Marlins pitchers walking four consecutive Met batters
"The way he plays the game, the decision is simple because he plays the game hard, but I don't have that decision. You have to take it up with the owner of the New York Mets."
--Jose Reyes, asked if the Mets should sign David Wright to a long term contract
As Jose Reyes returns to New York in front of an enthusiastic crowd of seventeen people (at least it seemed that way even to us loyal Met fans), the Mets continued to show why 2012 will be different. Coming off an awful doubleheader sweep and Bay and Pelfrey heading to DL, Mets needed a win in the worst way. Facing nemesis Josh Johnson and the return of Reyes would have spelled disaster in the past. Instead, Mets won on great pitching from Johan, Rausch and Francisco. On top of that they had some good defense and a clutch hit from Duda. All good stuff that I have not seen in recent years. You have to remain hopeful and enthusiastic about the 2012 New York Mets
Here are some post game Mets/Marlins quotes:
"I play for another team now. As I said, no hard feelings to no one."
--Jose Reyes, on coming back to Citi Field
"I've never seen anyone in the game bring that enthusiasm to the game. If I had to pay to watch someone play, I'd pay to watch this kid."
--Ozzie Guillen, on Jose Reyes
"That's what your big pitcher does. They stop stuff. They stop losing streaks."
--Terry Collins, on the great pitching of Johan Santana
"I think we had the right plan. It didn't work. They just couldn't throw strikes."
--Ozzie Guillen, on four Marlins pitchers walking four consecutive Met batters
"The way he plays the game, the decision is simple because he plays the game hard, but I don't have that decision. You have to take it up with the owner of the New York Mets."
--Jose Reyes, asked if the Mets should sign David Wright to a long term contract
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Johan's Worst Career Start: Mets Post Game Quotes
Only solace for me in yesterday's loss to Atlanta was that I was unable to see the game. Apparently, there was little to be excited about---bad defense combined with the worst start of Johan's career is never a good mix. This is one of those games where you tip your cap to the Braves and move on. It's not one of 16, it's one of 162. I've run out of cliches.. Here are some post game quotes from Game 11 of the New York Mets season (one we hope to forget quickly)
Post Game Quotes of Mets/Braves Game
1) "Nobody goes through the whole year without having a rough outing some time."
--Terry Collins, on Johan's Santana start
2) "The offense in the first and second inning was a bunch of get-him-over; get him-in's--with a huge at bat by Freddie mixed in."
--Matt Diaz, on the six runs scored by Braves in first two innings including Freddie Freeman's eleven pitch double
3) "He fell behind in the count. That's not him; probably something he hasn't experience before."
--Terry Collins, on Santana
4) "I would say we were probably a little more anxious on opening day then we were today and we chased."
--Matt Diaz, comparing how the Braves were shut down by Santana on Opening Day versus yesterday's game
5) "They made me throw a lot of pitches and even though I felt good, that's one of those days things didn't work out the way I wanted."
--Johan Santana
Post Game Quotes of Mets/Braves Game
1) "Nobody goes through the whole year without having a rough outing some time."
--Terry Collins, on Johan's Santana start
2) "The offense in the first and second inning was a bunch of get-him-over; get him-in's--with a huge at bat by Freddie mixed in."
--Matt Diaz, on the six runs scored by Braves in first two innings including Freddie Freeman's eleven pitch double
3) "He fell behind in the count. That's not him; probably something he hasn't experience before."
--Terry Collins, on Santana
4) "I would say we were probably a little more anxious on opening day then we were today and we chased."
--Matt Diaz, comparing how the Braves were shut down by Santana on Opening Day versus yesterday's game
5) "They made me throw a lot of pitches and even though I felt good, that's one of those days things didn't work out the way I wanted."
--Johan Santana
Monday, April 16, 2012
Mets Beat Braves 6-1: Post Game Quotes
The Mets did it again with an all-around great effort. I missed the game, but it sounds like they won it in the same way they've been winning all their games. Great starting pitching--this time from Dillon Gee. A timely home run--this time from Ike Davis (and Jason Bay hit one out as well) and a clutch defensive play---in this case it was Jason Bay robbing Jack Wilson of extra bases.
To celebrate the Mets 7th victory of the season--here are some quotes about the game..
1) "They're starting to realize what it takes to win at the major league level. That's always a scary thing when you're the opponent."
--Chipper Jones, on the emergence of the Mets
2) "I know it was the right decision. He just left a breaking ball over the plate and he hit it out. That was the name of the ball game."
--Fredi Gonzalez, on the decision to intentionally walk David Wright to face Ike Davis who hit a three run home run off Tommy Hansen
3) "Early in the year can be deceptive. When you start playing them for the second time, you really find out where you stand."
--Terry Collins, on not trying to get to excited about the Mets early season record
4) I never once thought that they'd be a pushover or anything like that and they haven't been."
--Dan Uggla, on the Mets early season record
5) "You've got five teams that can go out and beat anybody else's starter on any given night."
--Chipper Jones, on the NL East
To celebrate the Mets 7th victory of the season--here are some quotes about the game..
1) "They're starting to realize what it takes to win at the major league level. That's always a scary thing when you're the opponent."
--Chipper Jones, on the emergence of the Mets
2) "I know it was the right decision. He just left a breaking ball over the plate and he hit it out. That was the name of the ball game."
--Fredi Gonzalez, on the decision to intentionally walk David Wright to face Ike Davis who hit a three run home run off Tommy Hansen
3) "Early in the year can be deceptive. When you start playing them for the second time, you really find out where you stand."
--Terry Collins, on not trying to get to excited about the Mets early season record
4) I never once thought that they'd be a pushover or anything like that and they haven't been."
--Dan Uggla, on the Mets early season record
5) "You've got five teams that can go out and beat anybody else's starter on any given night."
--Chipper Jones, on the NL East
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Cleon Jones Trivia Quiz Answers
Earlier this week, we had a Cleon Jones Trivia Quiz. Tonight we have the trivia quiz answers for Cleon Jones. How well do you know this Met all-time great?
Ten Cleon Jones Trivia Quiz Answers
1) Cleon made the final catch of the 1969 World Series off of future Met World Series winning manager, Davey Johnson
2) In 1966, Cleon Jones finished fourth in the voting for National League rookie of the year. The winner was Reds Second Baseman, Tommy Helms
3) In 1969, Cleon was third in the National League in batting.
4) The all-time non-Hall of Famer great who won the batting title in 1969 was Pete Rose. Roberto Clemente was second.
5) In the famous shoe polish incident involving Cleon in Game 5 of the 1969 World Series, the Oriole pitcher was Dave McNally.
6) Cleon played all but thirteen games of his career with the Mets. He was released in 1975 and he was briefly picked up by the Chicago White Sox
7) Cleon's .340 average in 1969 was the highest in Mets history until broken in 1998 by John Olerud who hit an incredible .354 (that guy never gets enough credit for his career)
8) Cleon finished seventh in the National League voting for MVP that year. The two Mets who finished ahead of him were Tom Seaver who finished second and Tommie Agee who finished sixth.
9) The slugger who was the National League MVP in 1969 with a .320 batting average, 120 rbi's and 45 home runs was Willie McCovey
10) In 1969 Cleon's twelve home runs tied him with Donn Clendenon for third on the team. Art Shamsky was second with fourteen and the top home run hitter on the Mets that year was Tommie Agee with 26.
Hope you enjoyed the Cleon Jones Trivia Quiz Challenge.
Ten Cleon Jones Trivia Quiz Answers
1) Cleon made the final catch of the 1969 World Series off of future Met World Series winning manager, Davey Johnson
2) In 1966, Cleon Jones finished fourth in the voting for National League rookie of the year. The winner was Reds Second Baseman, Tommy Helms
3) In 1969, Cleon was third in the National League in batting.
4) The all-time non-Hall of Famer great who won the batting title in 1969 was Pete Rose. Roberto Clemente was second.
5) In the famous shoe polish incident involving Cleon in Game 5 of the 1969 World Series, the Oriole pitcher was Dave McNally.
6) Cleon played all but thirteen games of his career with the Mets. He was released in 1975 and he was briefly picked up by the Chicago White Sox
7) Cleon's .340 average in 1969 was the highest in Mets history until broken in 1998 by John Olerud who hit an incredible .354 (that guy never gets enough credit for his career)
8) Cleon finished seventh in the National League voting for MVP that year. The two Mets who finished ahead of him were Tom Seaver who finished second and Tommie Agee who finished sixth.
9) The slugger who was the National League MVP in 1969 with a .320 batting average, 120 rbi's and 45 home runs was Willie McCovey
10) In 1969 Cleon's twelve home runs tied him with Donn Clendenon for third on the team. Art Shamsky was second with fourteen and the top home run hitter on the Mets that year was Tommie Agee with 26.
Hope you enjoyed the Cleon Jones Trivia Quiz Challenge.
David Wright's 3 Hits Leads Mets Over Phillies---Post Game Quotes
Mets Update: Game 8 of 2012 Season: Just finished watching Met game this morning. Another great win. So much credit to go around especially David Wright's surprising return with three hits, Jonathan Niese's 6 and two thirds of shut out ball, Lucas Duda's Home Run and Double and the most underrated player of the game---Daniel Murphy and his defense. Two excellent plays by Murphy including probably the most important play of the game in catching David Wright's poorly thrown ball and converting it into an out. Great defense by Tejada as well. Check out the post game quotes from the 6-2 Mets.
On another note, I like Gary Cohen, Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez so much as announcers that even though I recorded the game, I didn't fast forward very often(even without Keith). I mean Ron Darling is making David Mamet references. Come on, who else does that?
Top Post Game Mets/Phillies Quotes:
1) David Wright's presence in our lineup means a lot. I knew that last year and I know it no. He gets big hits."
--Terry Collins, on David Wright
2) "It's good for the confidence and it's good for the psyche when you go out there and do well your first at bat."
--David Wright, on his first inning home run
3) "It's a small ballpark and with the wind blowing out you really have to focus on keeping the ball down and keeping them off balance. I think we did that."
--Jonathan Niese, on the great pitching of the Mets in yesterday's game
4) "When you see the face of the organization out there and playing with a broken finger, some of those hamstrings may not feel so tight."
--Terry Collins, on how the toughness of David Wright sends a message to the entire team
5) "One of the things I hope everybody reads into this is that this guy is tough. Very tough. He loves to play."
--Terry Collins, on David Wright
On another note, I like Gary Cohen, Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez so much as announcers that even though I recorded the game, I didn't fast forward very often(even without Keith). I mean Ron Darling is making David Mamet references. Come on, who else does that?
Top Post Game Mets/Phillies Quotes:
1) David Wright's presence in our lineup means a lot. I knew that last year and I know it no. He gets big hits."
--Terry Collins, on David Wright
2) "It's good for the confidence and it's good for the psyche when you go out there and do well your first at bat."
--David Wright, on his first inning home run
3) "It's a small ballpark and with the wind blowing out you really have to focus on keeping the ball down and keeping them off balance. I think we did that."
--Jonathan Niese, on the great pitching of the Mets in yesterday's game
4) "When you see the face of the organization out there and playing with a broken finger, some of those hamstrings may not feel so tight."
--Terry Collins, on how the toughness of David Wright sends a message to the entire team
5) "One of the things I hope everybody reads into this is that this guy is tough. Very tough. He loves to play."
--Terry Collins, on David Wright
Saturday, April 14, 2012
R.A. Dickey and Mets Beat Phillies--Post Game Quotes
I am an overly optimistic Met fan even with David Wright going on the DL. Still, a game like last night gives me great hope. The Mets beat one of baseball's best pitchers in Cliff Lee. Bay hits a homer, RA gives up one run, Parnell and Francisco are terrific, Hairston hits a homer, Tejada, Murphy and Thole continue to hit....Good signs even with Murphy's error and Thole's pick off.
Here are some quotes from yesterday's Mets-Phillies Game:
"In my opinion, he out pitched me in a lot of ways. But we were able to make the big pitch tonight."
--R.A.Dickey, on Cliff Lee
"You cannot let good pitchers dominate you. If you get something, you can hit, you better hit it."
--Terry Collins, on his advice to the Mets about being aggressive against Cliff Lee
"The way things have been going I normally would have missed it or taken it."
--Jason Bay, on his home run against Cliff Lee
"Tonight I had a good knuckle ball for a batter and then it would kind of go away."
--R.A. Dickey
"I looked at the umpire and kind of got a weird stare from him. I don't know what I was thinking."
--Josh Thole, on being picked off after thinking that Dickey's bunt went foul
Check out great sports quotes about baseball hall of famers at http://sportsquotation.blogspot.com/2012/04/top-ten-baseball-hall-of-fame-quotes.html
Here are some quotes from yesterday's Mets-Phillies Game:
"In my opinion, he out pitched me in a lot of ways. But we were able to make the big pitch tonight."
--R.A.Dickey, on Cliff Lee
"You cannot let good pitchers dominate you. If you get something, you can hit, you better hit it."
--Terry Collins, on his advice to the Mets about being aggressive against Cliff Lee
"The way things have been going I normally would have missed it or taken it."
--Jason Bay, on his home run against Cliff Lee
"Tonight I had a good knuckle ball for a batter and then it would kind of go away."
--R.A. Dickey
"I looked at the umpire and kind of got a weird stare from him. I don't know what I was thinking."
--Josh Thole, on being picked off after thinking that Dickey's bunt went foul
Check out great sports quotes about baseball hall of famers at http://sportsquotation.blogspot.com/2012/04/top-ten-baseball-hall-of-fame-quotes.html
Top Ten List of Baseball Hall of Fame Quotes
Check out the list of the all-time greatest baseball hall of fame quotes including one about a former Met. http://sportsquotation.blogspot.com/2012/04/top-ten-baseball-hall-of-fame-quotes.html
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Cleon Jones Trivia Challenge
First, we started with Tommie Agee and now we go to his childhood friend and fellow outfielder, Cleon Jones. Jones is one of the Mets all time best players who put together an incredible 1969 season. He will long be remembered by Mets fans. Lets see how good your memory is about Cleon Jones by playing the Cleon Jones trivia challenge. Ten questions with answers tomorrow and remember, no cheating.
Ten Cleon Jones Trivia Challenge Questions:
1) Cleon Jones caught the final out of the 1969 World Series. What Oriole who would have future ties to the Mets hit the ball caught by Jones?
2) In 1966, Cleon Jones finished fourth in the balloting for National League rookie of the year. What Reds player won the Rookie of the Year Award?
3) In 1969, Cleon finished in the Top Ten in batting average, where did he place?
4) What all-time great but non-Hall of Famer won the 1969 batting title?
5) In Game 5 of the 1969 World Series, there was the famous shoe polish incident involving Cleon. Who was pitching for the Orioles at the time?
6) Who picked up Cleon for the final thirteen games of his career after he was released by the Mets?
7) Cleon hit .340 in 1969 which was the all-time highest average for a Met player until it was broken in 1998? Who broke Cleon's record?
8) In 1969, Cleon finished 7th in the voting for the National League MVP. What two other Mets finished in the Top Ten?
9) What slugging future Hall of Famer was the MVP in 1969 with a .320 batting average, 45 home runs and 120 rbi's?
10) Cleon had 12 home runs in 1969 which tied him for third on the Mets with Donn Clendenon. Art Shamsky was second with 14. Who led the Mets in home runs that year?
Answers about Cleon Jones trivia will be featured tomorrow.
Other Met News: Johan against Strasburg today-wish I could watch the game. Only option is to record and not listen to FAN on my way home from work. Incredibly upset about Wright, but Met karma this year is much better than in the past and hopefully it is just a week and not a long term DL visit. Ike had about a bad a first week as you can have and the Mets were still 4-1---hope for the future.
Ten Cleon Jones Trivia Challenge Questions:
1) Cleon Jones caught the final out of the 1969 World Series. What Oriole who would have future ties to the Mets hit the ball caught by Jones?
2) In 1966, Cleon Jones finished fourth in the balloting for National League rookie of the year. What Reds player won the Rookie of the Year Award?
3) In 1969, Cleon finished in the Top Ten in batting average, where did he place?
4) What all-time great but non-Hall of Famer won the 1969 batting title?
5) In Game 5 of the 1969 World Series, there was the famous shoe polish incident involving Cleon. Who was pitching for the Orioles at the time?
6) Who picked up Cleon for the final thirteen games of his career after he was released by the Mets?
7) Cleon hit .340 in 1969 which was the all-time highest average for a Met player until it was broken in 1998? Who broke Cleon's record?
8) In 1969, Cleon finished 7th in the voting for the National League MVP. What two other Mets finished in the Top Ten?
9) What slugging future Hall of Famer was the MVP in 1969 with a .320 batting average, 45 home runs and 120 rbi's?
10) Cleon had 12 home runs in 1969 which tied him for third on the Mets with Donn Clendenon. Art Shamsky was second with 14. Who led the Mets in home runs that year?
Answers about Cleon Jones trivia will be featured tomorrow.
Other Met News: Johan against Strasburg today-wish I could watch the game. Only option is to record and not listen to FAN on my way home from work. Incredibly upset about Wright, but Met karma this year is much better than in the past and hopefully it is just a week and not a long term DL visit. Ike had about a bad a first week as you can have and the Mets were still 4-1---hope for the future.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tommie Agee Met Trivia Contest Answers
How many of you played the Tommie Agee trivia challenge two days ago? Well, it is time to see how well you know the Mets all-time great center fielder, Tommie Agee.
1) Tommie Agee was born in the state of Alabama
2) He made his brief major league debut in 1962 with the Cleveland Indians
3) The prestigious award Tommie Agee won in 1969 was the Comeback Player of the Year Award
4) The White Sox traded Tommie Agee to the Mets for Tommy Davis and Jack Fisher.
5) The other player in the deal for the Mets turned out to be future World Series hero, Al Weiss
6) Tommie Agee went to high school with fellow Met great Cleon Jones. What are the odds that they would be playing in the same major league outfield together?
7) After he retired, Agee operated a bar near Shea Stadium. The name of the bar was 'Outfielder's Lounge
8) The two player Agee made his famous catches off of in Game 3 of the 1969 World Series were Elrod Hendricks and Paul Blair
9) The total number of players left on base after those catches was five.
10) When Agee won the American League rookie of the year award in 1966, the third place finisher would play a major role in future Met teams. This third place finisher was Dave Johnson.
Congratulations for playing the Tommie Agee trivia game.
1) Tommie Agee was born in the state of Alabama
2) He made his brief major league debut in 1962 with the Cleveland Indians
3) The prestigious award Tommie Agee won in 1969 was the Comeback Player of the Year Award
4) The White Sox traded Tommie Agee to the Mets for Tommy Davis and Jack Fisher.
5) The other player in the deal for the Mets turned out to be future World Series hero, Al Weiss
6) Tommie Agee went to high school with fellow Met great Cleon Jones. What are the odds that they would be playing in the same major league outfield together?
7) After he retired, Agee operated a bar near Shea Stadium. The name of the bar was 'Outfielder's Lounge
8) The two player Agee made his famous catches off of in Game 3 of the 1969 World Series were Elrod Hendricks and Paul Blair
9) The total number of players left on base after those catches was five.
10) When Agee won the American League rookie of the year award in 1966, the third place finisher would play a major role in future Met teams. This third place finisher was Dave Johnson.
Congratulations for playing the Tommie Agee trivia game.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Five Great Ruben Tejada Quotes
Great game by Ruben Tejada yesterday. Four for Five--two runs scored, two rbi's. Turned out to be the game winning RBI's. Lets keep this 3-0 going. To celebrate, Tejada's great game, here are five great Ruben Tejada quotes.
1) "He's like 14. He can play the game though."
--Jose Reyes, when the 20 year old Tejada first played for the Mets
2) "Ruben hits just as well 0-2 as he does 2-0. He's very aware of the strike zone."
--Jason Bay, on Tejada
3) "You can put him anywhere on the diamond and the kid is going to adapt...He has a strong enough arm to play anywhere."
--Ike Davis, on the versatility of Tejada
4) "He's a good hitter. You put somebody at the top who swings the bat as well as he does and it kind of puts a lot of pressure on their pitching staff."
--Daniel Murphy, on Tejada hitting lead off
5) "Guys who are going to use the field and be line-drive hitters, and if you make a mistake on them, they can hit a homer."
--Terry Collins, on how Tejada reminds him of players like Omar Infante and Placido Polanco
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1) "He's like 14. He can play the game though."
--Jose Reyes, when the 20 year old Tejada first played for the Mets
2) "Ruben hits just as well 0-2 as he does 2-0. He's very aware of the strike zone."
--Jason Bay, on Tejada
3) "You can put him anywhere on the diamond and the kid is going to adapt...He has a strong enough arm to play anywhere."
--Ike Davis, on the versatility of Tejada
4) "He's a good hitter. You put somebody at the top who swings the bat as well as he does and it kind of puts a lot of pressure on their pitching staff."
--Daniel Murphy, on Tejada hitting lead off
5) "Guys who are going to use the field and be line-drive hitters, and if you make a mistake on them, they can hit a homer."
--Terry Collins, on how Tejada reminds him of players like Omar Infante and Placido Polanco
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Sunday, April 8, 2012
Tommie Agee Met Trivia Contest
Tommie Agee was one of the all-time great Met Center fielders. How well do you know his career? Play Tommie Agee trivia and find out. Answers will be posted tomorrow (no cheating)
Tommie Agee conjures up wonderful memories from my childhood. Much like we all thought growing up in suburban New York that we were the next Walt Frazier, many of us who played center field as kids thought we would be the next Tommie Agee. Unfortunately, my dreams of being the Mets center fielder were dashed by my inability to hit, field or throw. Other than that, I had a real shot.
Tommie Agee Trivia
1) In what state was Tommie Agee born?
2) With what team did he make his major league debut?
3) What prestigious award did he win after the 1969 season?
4) What players did the Met trade to get Agee?
5) What other player was in the deal with Agee who also became one of the 1969 World Series heroes?
6) What other Met went to high school with Agee?
7) What was the name of the bar that Agee operated in Flushing after retiring from baseball?
8) Off what two players did Agee make his incredible catches in Game 3 of the 1969 World Series?
9) How many combined runners were on base when he made those two catches?
10) Tommie Agee won the American League rookie of the year award in 1966. What Oriole who played a major role in the future of the Mets finished third in the balloting that year?
Come back tomorrow and see how you did on the Tommie Agee trivia contest?
Tommie Agee conjures up wonderful memories from my childhood. Much like we all thought growing up in suburban New York that we were the next Walt Frazier, many of us who played center field as kids thought we would be the next Tommie Agee. Unfortunately, my dreams of being the Mets center fielder were dashed by my inability to hit, field or throw. Other than that, I had a real shot.
Tommie Agee Trivia
1) In what state was Tommie Agee born?
2) With what team did he make his major league debut?
3) What prestigious award did he win after the 1969 season?
4) What players did the Met trade to get Agee?
5) What other player was in the deal with Agee who also became one of the 1969 World Series heroes?
6) What other Met went to high school with Agee?
7) What was the name of the bar that Agee operated in Flushing after retiring from baseball?
8) Off what two players did Agee make his incredible catches in Game 3 of the 1969 World Series?
9) How many combined runners were on base when he made those two catches?
10) Tommie Agee won the American League rookie of the year award in 1966. What Oriole who played a major role in the future of the Mets finished third in the balloting that year?
Come back tomorrow and see how you did on the Tommie Agee trivia contest?
Top Lucas Duda Quotes
You gotta believe. I know 2-0 does not mean we break out the champagne, but you couldn't have asked for a better script than yesterday's game. The game had so many highlights, Wright's 9th inning catch and home run, R.A's pitching effort (what he called a 'community win'), great relief pitching, clutch hitting and the two home runs of Lucas Duda.
With that name and that slugger look (6'5", 250 pounds), it is only a question of time before the quiet and unassuming Duda will own New York. Face it, over their fifty years, you can count on the fingers of one hand, the legitimate sluggers that the Mets have had on their roster (topic for another time).
As Met optimists, lets take a deep breath, hope for the best and celebrate the accomplishments of Lucas Duda in quotes.
"He's got the strength to hit it out of anywhere. He's got a chance to be some kind of power hitter."
--Terry Collins, on Lucas Duda
"It's a gorgeous feeling. It's refreshing to know that those line drives that were doubles could go out there."
--Ike Davis, on Lucas Duda's Home run to Center field that would likely have been a double before the dimensions changed
"He is not a burner out there, but he will catch the ball and he'll make some plays you might not think he can and he will do whatever he can to win."
--Mike Gillepsie, UC-Irvine Baseball Coach, on the fielding ability of Lucas Duda
'I'd put him up against anybody in the league as far as power."
--David Wright, on Lucas Duda
"Offensively, the guy is going to be a force."
--Terry Collins
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With that name and that slugger look (6'5", 250 pounds), it is only a question of time before the quiet and unassuming Duda will own New York. Face it, over their fifty years, you can count on the fingers of one hand, the legitimate sluggers that the Mets have had on their roster (topic for another time).
As Met optimists, lets take a deep breath, hope for the best and celebrate the accomplishments of Lucas Duda in quotes.
"He's got the strength to hit it out of anywhere. He's got a chance to be some kind of power hitter."
--Terry Collins, on Lucas Duda
"It's a gorgeous feeling. It's refreshing to know that those line drives that were doubles could go out there."
--Ike Davis, on Lucas Duda's Home run to Center field that would likely have been a double before the dimensions changed
"He is not a burner out there, but he will catch the ball and he'll make some plays you might not think he can and he will do whatever he can to win."
--Mike Gillepsie, UC-Irvine Baseball Coach, on the fielding ability of Lucas Duda
'I'd put him up against anybody in the league as far as power."
--David Wright, on Lucas Duda
"Offensively, the guy is going to be a force."
--Terry Collins
Love sports quotes, then become a fan of sports quotation man at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sports-Quotation-Man/125672394170091
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Kirk Nieuwenhuis New Met Centerfielder
After Andres Torres injury on Opening Day, Kirk Nieuwenhuis was called up from Triple A to take over in center field for the Mets. I feel badly for Torres, as he seems like a really good guy who has overcome a lot, but it should only be a temporary setback.
In the mean times, what do we know about Nieuwenhuis (need some veteran to give him a clever or not so clever nickname like Newbie).
First we know he is a third round pick from 2008. He is a left handed hitter who is known for his hustle on the field.
What the numbers say is he appears to have some pop on his bat. Last year in 188 bats, he hit six home runs. His minor league career, he seemed to be a consistent fifteen to eighteen home run guy. Decent rbi and batting average over his minor league career. Had a .401 on base percentage in Buffalo last year. First year or two he had some decent stolen base numbers also, but not in the last two years. Also, his minor league numbers indicates that he does tend to strikeout a lot. There's something new for the Mets (note the sarcasm).
According to what I read, he is an average fielder with a good arm. His assist numbers seem impressive. In 2010, in a combined 121 games in Binghamton and Buffalo, he had 13 assists.
The downside is his recent injuries. He missed a good part of last year with shoulder surgery and this spring training, he fought off an oblique injury. If he gets hurt, other available Met outfielders available include Don Hahn, Don Bosch and Mike Vail.
Best of luck to Kirk Nieuwenhuis as he joins the first place New York Mets.
Here is a brief glimpse of Nieuwenhuis' arm.
In the mean times, what do we know about Nieuwenhuis (need some veteran to give him a clever or not so clever nickname like Newbie).
First we know he is a third round pick from 2008. He is a left handed hitter who is known for his hustle on the field.
What the numbers say is he appears to have some pop on his bat. Last year in 188 bats, he hit six home runs. His minor league career, he seemed to be a consistent fifteen to eighteen home run guy. Decent rbi and batting average over his minor league career. Had a .401 on base percentage in Buffalo last year. First year or two he had some decent stolen base numbers also, but not in the last two years. Also, his minor league numbers indicates that he does tend to strikeout a lot. There's something new for the Mets (note the sarcasm).
According to what I read, he is an average fielder with a good arm. His assist numbers seem impressive. In 2010, in a combined 121 games in Binghamton and Buffalo, he had 13 assists.
The downside is his recent injuries. He missed a good part of last year with shoulder surgery and this spring training, he fought off an oblique injury. If he gets hurt, other available Met outfielders available include Don Hahn, Don Bosch and Mike Vail.
Best of luck to Kirk Nieuwenhuis as he joins the first place New York Mets.
Here is a brief glimpse of Nieuwenhuis' arm.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Mets Opening Day Trivia Challenge Answers
Yesterday, I posted fourteen New York Met Opening Day Trivia Challenge Questions. Today, the answers are included. Find out if you are a Met expert.
Congratulations to the Mets on their 1-0 start. Outside of Torres injury, nothing but blue skies today led by Santana and host of relievers and clutch hitting of David Wright (Daniel Murphy is a hitting machine).
1) The future Hall of Fame who started at first base for the Mets in 1992 and 1993 was Eddie Murray
2) Today David Wright started for the 8th consecutive year at third base, passing Howard Johnson to become first on the list.
3) The only future Hall of Famer in the Mets Opening Day Lineup in 1962 was center fielder Richie Ashburn.
4) The two Met legends tied with six all-time Opening Day starts at first base are Keith Hernandez and Ed Kranepool
5) The player with the winning hit in the 1998 Opening Day, 1-0 fourteen inning victory of the Mets was Alberto Castillo (actually referenced by Howie Rose in today's game)
6) The future Hall of Fame Opening Day Met starting left fielder in 1999 and 2000 was Rickey Henderson
7) The starting second baseman on Opening Day for the Mets in 2011 was Brad Emaus
8) The Met player who had the most starts in the outfield was Darryl Strawberry with seven
9) The Mets won their first Opening Day in 1970, 8 years after the franchise started. They actually won a World Series before they won an Opening Day game. The winning pitcher in relief was Ron Taylor (Tug McGraw got the save in this eleven inning game)
10) Of course the Met with the most starts was Tom Seaver with 11 (1968-1977 and 1983). Dwight Gooden was second with six
11) Roger Craig started the first Mets game in 1962
12) The player who started the most Opening Day games as catcher for the Mets was Jerry Grote with 9. Mike Piazza had 7 and Todd Hundley had 6.
13) The Met player with the most all-time Opening Day starts is Bud Harrelson with eleven.
14) The 1962 Amazing Mets must not have been a big draw on Opening Day against the Cardinals in Busch Stadium. The attendance for the game was 16,147
Hope you enjoyed the Mets Opening Day trivia challenge. Much more to come.
Congratulations to the Mets on their 1-0 start. Outside of Torres injury, nothing but blue skies today led by Santana and host of relievers and clutch hitting of David Wright (Daniel Murphy is a hitting machine).
1) The future Hall of Fame who started at first base for the Mets in 1992 and 1993 was Eddie Murray
2) Today David Wright started for the 8th consecutive year at third base, passing Howard Johnson to become first on the list.
3) The only future Hall of Famer in the Mets Opening Day Lineup in 1962 was center fielder Richie Ashburn.
4) The two Met legends tied with six all-time Opening Day starts at first base are Keith Hernandez and Ed Kranepool
5) The player with the winning hit in the 1998 Opening Day, 1-0 fourteen inning victory of the Mets was Alberto Castillo (actually referenced by Howie Rose in today's game)
6) The future Hall of Fame Opening Day Met starting left fielder in 1999 and 2000 was Rickey Henderson
7) The starting second baseman on Opening Day for the Mets in 2011 was Brad Emaus
8) The Met player who had the most starts in the outfield was Darryl Strawberry with seven
9) The Mets won their first Opening Day in 1970, 8 years after the franchise started. They actually won a World Series before they won an Opening Day game. The winning pitcher in relief was Ron Taylor (Tug McGraw got the save in this eleven inning game)
10) Of course the Met with the most starts was Tom Seaver with 11 (1968-1977 and 1983). Dwight Gooden was second with six
11) Roger Craig started the first Mets game in 1962
12) The player who started the most Opening Day games as catcher for the Mets was Jerry Grote with 9. Mike Piazza had 7 and Todd Hundley had 6.
13) The Met player with the most all-time Opening Day starts is Bud Harrelson with eleven.
14) The 1962 Amazing Mets must not have been a big draw on Opening Day against the Cardinals in Busch Stadium. The attendance for the game was 16,147
Hope you enjoyed the Mets Opening Day trivia challenge. Much more to come.
Ten Reasons Why the Mets Will Contend in 2012
I have always been an April optimist only to be shot down by May 1st. Not this year. I have much more confidence in the Mets this year than in recent years. Here are ten reasons why the Mets will surprise the baseball world in 2012
1) Terry Collins---Collins proved last year that he handles two things well--young talent and adversity. The Mets were the most injured team in baseball yet they played well for the first three months of the season. If they had a healthy Johan last year and kept Beltran all year (in retrospect, it was a great trade for the Mets), who knows how circumstances would have changed.
2) A Healthy Johan---Pitching wins baseball (at least the 9,547 time you've heard that) You don't lose a player the caliber of Santana and expect those games to somehow be made up by someone else. He had a great spring training and there is no reason to think he won't have a great year.
3) A Somewhat Healthy Ike---Ike seems to be hitting the ball with the same authority as the past. He is the best all-around Met first baseman since John Olerud. His bat and glove will make a big difference this year.
4) Lucas Duda---Are you kidding me? Have you seen this kid hit? He is a beast. He is the Mets best power hitter in years. The combo of him and Ike will become one of the best young one-two punches in baseball.
5) Ruben Tejada and Josh Thole---Again, two more young talented kids who have proven under the pressure of last year that they can put up some good numbers in the big leagues. Tejada will be the next exciting Met infielder. Thole has some defensive issues but he handles the pitching staff very well and has proven he can hit major league pitching.
6) Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco---I always thought that KRod got a bad rap with the Mets, but after the incident from two years ago, things were never the same. I think the Mets will have more consistency in relief this year. They made a good move in signing these guys as their key free agents (of course I will be kicking the TV set the first time one of them blows a game). They are proven major leaguers and if nothing else, they win the team with the tallest player award with the 6'10" Rauch
7) David Wright---Has there ever been a more maligned all-time Met great than David Wright? Sure he strikes out too much (can't tell you how many times I screamed at some of those K's), but he is by far the greatest Met third baseman of all-time. He has a long track record of clutch hitting and he will be protected this year by Duda and Ike. Contract discussions will be moot because he'll want to stay a Met after their early season resurgence.
8) Daniel Murphy/Justin Turner---Murphy is one of those guys who is a professional hitter. Does anyone remember how well he hit last year when he wasn't hurt? The man can flat out get a hit at any time. Sure, there are fielding issues, but he played a decent second base in spring training. He will surprise. Mets also have super sub Justin Turner who showed why he was the Mets best clutch hitter last year.
9) John Niese, R.A. Dickey and Dillon Gee---A key to the Mets season will be their second, third and fourth starters. Niese has always shown potential and the long term commitment from the Mets will hopefully make him feel secure. Dickey was the Mets best starter last year who had as a hard as luck as any starter in baseball. He throws that knuckle ball faster than most anyone who has thrown the pitch and that has to be a great advantage. No reason to think he won't be around and consistent for a long time (also the candidate most likely to pitch the Mets first no-hitter). Pessimists point out the second half of last year when they discuss Gee. What about the first half. The kid showed guts and more importantly--an ability to throw strikes consistently. He had a really good spring. There is no reason to think he won't have a big 2012 season.
10) Best Announcing Crew in Baseball (Gary, Ron and Keith)--I have been critical of announcers over the years, but I have nothing but great things to say about the three of them---funny, insightful, critical and knowledgeable. They are baseball's best announcing trio by far. Even in the dog days of August, they made games enjoyable. This year though they will have a lot more positive things to say then in the past.
Question Marks for the Mets are obviously--Bay is one of them. Hopefully, the fences will make a difference for him. Usually spring training is a barometer of nothing, but this spring training has me worried that he will carry it into the regular season. We get a good year out of him and that will be a great bonus. In the case of Torres, it it is hard to say a guy in his thirties has great potential, but he does. He is a good fielder with terrific speed but he has to cut down on his strikeouts and put together a 2010 type season. Pelf always has the capacity for being a terrific pitcher. You just have to hold your breath and hope for the best.
The Mets will surprise the baseball world and contend in 2012.You heard it here first.
Check out five all-time great opening day quotes at http://listman.blogspot.com/2012/04/top-five-opening-day-quotes-of-all-time.html
1) Terry Collins---Collins proved last year that he handles two things well--young talent and adversity. The Mets were the most injured team in baseball yet they played well for the first three months of the season. If they had a healthy Johan last year and kept Beltran all year (in retrospect, it was a great trade for the Mets), who knows how circumstances would have changed.
2) A Healthy Johan---Pitching wins baseball (at least the 9,547 time you've heard that) You don't lose a player the caliber of Santana and expect those games to somehow be made up by someone else. He had a great spring training and there is no reason to think he won't have a great year.
3) A Somewhat Healthy Ike---Ike seems to be hitting the ball with the same authority as the past. He is the best all-around Met first baseman since John Olerud. His bat and glove will make a big difference this year.
4) Lucas Duda---Are you kidding me? Have you seen this kid hit? He is a beast. He is the Mets best power hitter in years. The combo of him and Ike will become one of the best young one-two punches in baseball.
5) Ruben Tejada and Josh Thole---Again, two more young talented kids who have proven under the pressure of last year that they can put up some good numbers in the big leagues. Tejada will be the next exciting Met infielder. Thole has some defensive issues but he handles the pitching staff very well and has proven he can hit major league pitching.
6) Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco---I always thought that KRod got a bad rap with the Mets, but after the incident from two years ago, things were never the same. I think the Mets will have more consistency in relief this year. They made a good move in signing these guys as their key free agents (of course I will be kicking the TV set the first time one of them blows a game). They are proven major leaguers and if nothing else, they win the team with the tallest player award with the 6'10" Rauch
7) David Wright---Has there ever been a more maligned all-time Met great than David Wright? Sure he strikes out too much (can't tell you how many times I screamed at some of those K's), but he is by far the greatest Met third baseman of all-time. He has a long track record of clutch hitting and he will be protected this year by Duda and Ike. Contract discussions will be moot because he'll want to stay a Met after their early season resurgence.
8) Daniel Murphy/Justin Turner---Murphy is one of those guys who is a professional hitter. Does anyone remember how well he hit last year when he wasn't hurt? The man can flat out get a hit at any time. Sure, there are fielding issues, but he played a decent second base in spring training. He will surprise. Mets also have super sub Justin Turner who showed why he was the Mets best clutch hitter last year.
9) John Niese, R.A. Dickey and Dillon Gee---A key to the Mets season will be their second, third and fourth starters. Niese has always shown potential and the long term commitment from the Mets will hopefully make him feel secure. Dickey was the Mets best starter last year who had as a hard as luck as any starter in baseball. He throws that knuckle ball faster than most anyone who has thrown the pitch and that has to be a great advantage. No reason to think he won't be around and consistent for a long time (also the candidate most likely to pitch the Mets first no-hitter). Pessimists point out the second half of last year when they discuss Gee. What about the first half. The kid showed guts and more importantly--an ability to throw strikes consistently. He had a really good spring. There is no reason to think he won't have a big 2012 season.
10) Best Announcing Crew in Baseball (Gary, Ron and Keith)--I have been critical of announcers over the years, but I have nothing but great things to say about the three of them---funny, insightful, critical and knowledgeable. They are baseball's best announcing trio by far. Even in the dog days of August, they made games enjoyable. This year though they will have a lot more positive things to say then in the past.
Question Marks for the Mets are obviously--Bay is one of them. Hopefully, the fences will make a difference for him. Usually spring training is a barometer of nothing, but this spring training has me worried that he will carry it into the regular season. We get a good year out of him and that will be a great bonus. In the case of Torres, it it is hard to say a guy in his thirties has great potential, but he does. He is a good fielder with terrific speed but he has to cut down on his strikeouts and put together a 2010 type season. Pelf always has the capacity for being a terrific pitcher. You just have to hold your breath and hope for the best.
The Mets will surprise the baseball world and contend in 2012.You heard it here first.
Check out five all-time great opening day quotes at http://listman.blogspot.com/2012/04/top-five-opening-day-quotes-of-all-time.html
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
New York Mets Opening Day Trivia Challenge
Fellow Met fans---time to dream of the miracle 2012 season when a team expected to go nowhere became contenders. Hey, a fan can dream....In celebration of Opening Day at Citifield, here are fourteen Met Opening Day Trivia Questions. Answers tomorrow. Lets Go Mets.
1) What future Hall of Famer was the Mets Opening Day starting first baseman in 1992 and 1993?
2) Who will David Wright pass tomorrow as the longest Opening Day starting Met third baseman?
3) How many future Hall of Famers were in the Mets Opening Day lineup in 1962?
4) What two Met legends are tied with six for most Opening Day Starts at first base?
5) In the Mets famous 1998 Opening Day Game which they won 1-0 in fourteen innings, who drove in the only run of the game?
6) What future Hall of Famer was the Mets Opening Day left fielder in 1999 and 2000?
7) Who was the Mets starting second baseman on Opening Day of 2011?
8) What Met started the most opening games in the outfield?
9) What year did the Mets win their first Opening Day and bonus point, who won the game for them (game was 11 innings)?
10 What Met pitcher had the most Opening Day starts (if you don't get this one right than you cannot consider yourself a Met fan)?
11) Who was the Mets Opening Day Starter in 1962?
12) Who had the most Opening Day starts for a catcher in Met history?
13) What Met player holds the record for most Opening Day starts?
14) Within 5000, what was the attendance of the Mets 1962 Opening Day game against the Cardinals in Busch Stadium?
Find out tomorrow how you did on the Mets Opening Day Trivia Contest?
If you love trivia than log onto trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
1) What future Hall of Famer was the Mets Opening Day starting first baseman in 1992 and 1993?
2) Who will David Wright pass tomorrow as the longest Opening Day starting Met third baseman?
3) How many future Hall of Famers were in the Mets Opening Day lineup in 1962?
4) What two Met legends are tied with six for most Opening Day Starts at first base?
5) In the Mets famous 1998 Opening Day Game which they won 1-0 in fourteen innings, who drove in the only run of the game?
6) What future Hall of Famer was the Mets Opening Day left fielder in 1999 and 2000?
7) Who was the Mets starting second baseman on Opening Day of 2011?
8) What Met started the most opening games in the outfield?
9) What year did the Mets win their first Opening Day and bonus point, who won the game for them (game was 11 innings)?
10 What Met pitcher had the most Opening Day starts (if you don't get this one right than you cannot consider yourself a Met fan)?
11) Who was the Mets Opening Day Starter in 1962?
12) Who had the most Opening Day starts for a catcher in Met history?
13) What Met player holds the record for most Opening Day starts?
14) Within 5000, what was the attendance of the Mets 1962 Opening Day game against the Cardinals in Busch Stadium?
Find out tomorrow how you did on the Mets Opening Day Trivia Contest?
If you love trivia than log onto trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
Sunday, April 1, 2012
When Did Football Take Over Spring?
Check out my piece on When Football Took Over Spring? We Met fans know that spring is all about the love of the game.
http://sportsquotation.blogspot.com/2012/04/when-did-football-take-over-spring.html
http://sportsquotation.blogspot.com/2012/04/when-did-football-take-over-spring.html
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Ron Swoboda's World Series Catch in Quotes
Game 4 of the 1969 World Series, Mets up two to one in the Series against the Orioles. Top of the 9th inning, the great Tom Seaver on the mound, Mets up 1-0, but the Orioles have runners on the corners with one out. Future Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson is up and he hits a sinking line drive to right field. Appears to be a sure hit, but out of nowhere comes Ron Swoboda to make a sliding grab--one of the greatest catches in World Series history (certainly in Mets history). The Orioles did tie the score on the play, but the Mets ended up winning it in the 10th inning on the J.C. Martin bunt and bad throw by Pete Rickert. Without the catch, the series could have broken bad for the Mets, but instead they win in five and become a story for the baseball ages.
When you hear the game being announced, Curt Gowdy underplays the significance of the catch. He spends much of the play talking about what a savvy player Frank Robinson was in scoring from third base on the sacrifice fly (Yes, Frank Robinson was a very savvy and great player but really any knuckle brain should have scored from third on that play).
Here are some great quotes about the Ron Swoboda Catch:
When you hear the game being announced, Curt Gowdy underplays the significance of the catch. He spends much of the play talking about what a savvy player Frank Robinson was in scoring from third base on the sacrifice fly (Yes, Frank Robinson was a very savvy and great player but really any knuckle brain should have scored from third on that play).
Here are some great quotes about the Ron Swoboda Catch:
"Some people had a career, I had a catch."
--Ron Swoboda
"How long have I got left?"
--Ron Swoboda, after being asked for how many years could he talk about 'The Catch'
"I was an average player who made a great play."
--Ron Swoboda
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tommie Agee Hits One of Longest Home Run at Shea
One of the greatest home runs in Mets history came off the bat of Tommie Agee on April 10th, 1969. It hit the Upper Deck at Shea Stadium--one of the most monstrous home runs ever hit at Shea Stadium. Unfortunately the game was not televised so there is no video of the home run, but there are some great quotes about Tommie Agee's Upper Deck Home run.
Here is a clip from the 1969 World Series featuring the great catches of Tommie Agee,
Of course Agee was an all-time great Met known for those two incredible catches in the 1969 World Series, but he also was a terrific hitter and fielder. In 1969, he actually finished 6th in the MVP balloting.
"It would have hit the bus in the parking lot if it hadn't hit the seats."
--Ron Swoboda
"A lot of times you don't watch 'em. That one I had to watch because I knew it was hit pretty good."
--Larry Jaster, the pitcher who gave up the home run to Agee
"It wasn't coming down when it his those seats--it was just a line drive that kept on going."
--Bud Harrelson
Here is a clip from the 1969 World Series featuring the great catches of Tommie Agee,
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Val Pascucci Would Own New York
Can you imagine if Val Pascucci made the team and really contributed. What a great story that would be----His size, his story, his name---we would have Valmania in New York.
People love heavyweight power guys. Pascucci is 6'6, 270. You can't get much bigger then that in major league baseball. He has an incredible amount of power and can hit a homer in every park including Yellowstone (I stole an old quote said about Harmon Killebrew).
Plus he's got a great back story as a career minor leaguer with Crash Davis (love those Bull Durham references) like home run numbers. On top of that he's got a great name.
I tell you the guy would own New York. Get those Valmania shirts, Pasucci Power hats, Pascucci Pizza, etc. Possibilities are endless. Remember, if he makes it big, you heard it here first.
People love heavyweight power guys. Pascucci is 6'6, 270. You can't get much bigger then that in major league baseball. He has an incredible amount of power and can hit a homer in every park including Yellowstone (I stole an old quote said about Harmon Killebrew).
Plus he's got a great back story as a career minor leaguer with Crash Davis (love those Bull Durham references) like home run numbers. On top of that he's got a great name.
I tell you the guy would own New York. Get those Valmania shirts, Pasucci Power hats, Pascucci Pizza, etc. Possibilities are endless. Remember, if he makes it big, you heard it here first.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
R.A. Dickey and Second and Third Acts
Even though R.A. Dickey didn't pitch well yesterday, it is hard to be upset. Early spring training--who cares. Early spring training for pitchers is only relevant for young guys--Matt Harvey or comebacks after major injuries--Johan. Though I didn't see yesterday's game--it got me thinking that there is no sport like baseball for second, third or even fourth acts. I mean the starting pitchers were R.A. Dickey and Chien Ming Wang--they have had more acts then Hamlet.
On top of that, I saw that Bartolo Colon pitched well for the A's yesterday. I mean Bartolo Colon is older then Chuck Hinton (looking for obscure Indians reference). There are a lot of reasons I love baseball and the love of comebacks of aging players is one of them.
R.A. Dickey is an incredible story. He was basically in the baseball scrap heaps until he developed and controlled his knuckle ball. Now, when he has it going, he is one of the toughest pitchers in baseball. Last year's record obscured the fact that he actually was very effective in a lot of his starts and had minimal run support (I know that is a shock with that potent Met offense). Plus he seems like a good guy which means a lot to me.
Maybe if things go South early this year, the Mets can tender some contracts to some former players. Heard that Mike Vail can still hit the ball, John Stearns (his nickname of Dude was way ahead of its time) can still steal a base especially for a catcher, Pat Zachary can give you some long relief innings--the possibilities are limitless.
On top of that, I saw that Bartolo Colon pitched well for the A's yesterday. I mean Bartolo Colon is older then Chuck Hinton (looking for obscure Indians reference). There are a lot of reasons I love baseball and the love of comebacks of aging players is one of them.
R.A. Dickey is an incredible story. He was basically in the baseball scrap heaps until he developed and controlled his knuckle ball. Now, when he has it going, he is one of the toughest pitchers in baseball. Last year's record obscured the fact that he actually was very effective in a lot of his starts and had minimal run support (I know that is a shock with that potent Met offense). Plus he seems like a good guy which means a lot to me.
Maybe if things go South early this year, the Mets can tender some contracts to some former players. Heard that Mike Vail can still hit the ball, John Stearns (his nickname of Dude was way ahead of its time) can still steal a base especially for a catcher, Pat Zachary can give you some long relief innings--the possibilities are limitless.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Mets Should Sign Chris Young
I have always been a Chris Young fan since his days in San Diego. Even in his early years in Texas, he showed some real potential. But what I most remember is his 2006, 11-5 record with the Padres. His E.R.A was 3.46. Down the stretch when the Padres made their run, he was virtually unhittable. He became their number one guy. Even in 2007, he put up some terrific numbers with a 3.12 E.R.A. The reality is that since 2006, he has only pitched a little over four hundred innings and his one Met start last year was a terrific one.
We all know about the injuries. Believe me, I was a huge fan last year and knew that it was a harbinger for the Mets season when he went down after the first start. But isn't it worth a flyer to grab him on the cheap? I still believe he has got terrific stuff and can play a significant role when healthy. Also, as a Princeton grad, this is the year for Ivy Leaguers in New York Sports. I hope the Mets pick him up. It is not a huge gamble on their part and can pay some nice dividends.
We all know about the injuries. Believe me, I was a huge fan last year and knew that it was a harbinger for the Mets season when he went down after the first start. But isn't it worth a flyer to grab him on the cheap? I still believe he has got terrific stuff and can play a significant role when healthy. Also, as a Princeton grad, this is the year for Ivy Leaguers in New York Sports. I hope the Mets pick him up. It is not a huge gamble on their part and can pay some nice dividends.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Mike Pelfrey Spring Training Debut
Mike Pelfrey had a tough game yesterday and as predicted the comments are already out there (the most obvious being that he is already in mid-season form). I know we are in a social media world where we over analyze everything, but the idea of analyzing a first spring training start is ridiculous. The only time it makes sense is when someone is coming off a major injury (like Johan) or there is a young phenom you are dying to see (like Harvey and Wheeler).
Like all Met fans, I have suffered through the maddening inconsistency of Pelfrey. Please though lets not look at yesterday as any kind of harbinger for the future. Otherwise, we will be in for a long year before spring training even ends.
Like all Met fans, I have suffered through the maddening inconsistency of Pelfrey. Please though lets not look at yesterday as any kind of harbinger for the future. Otherwise, we will be in for a long year before spring training even ends.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The Greatest Mets By Position in History
Who do you think are the greatest Mets player position by position? Check out my list. Please share your opinion.
First Base---Keith Hernandez
Second Base--Edgardo Alfonzo (Felix Millan gets honorable mention)
Shortstop--Jose Reyes
Third Base--David Wright
Left Field--Cleon Jones
Center Field---Tommie Agee
Right Field--Darryl Strawberry
Catcher--Mike Piazza (just ahead of Gary Carter)
Starting Pitcher--Tom Seaver (though give me the first two year of Doc Gooden and I would compare him favorably to any pitcher in history)
Relief Pitcher--John Franco (Tug McGraw gets honorable mention)
Manager--Gil Hodges
Please share your list.
First Base---Keith Hernandez
Second Base--Edgardo Alfonzo (Felix Millan gets honorable mention)
Shortstop--Jose Reyes
Third Base--David Wright
Left Field--Cleon Jones
Center Field---Tommie Agee
Right Field--Darryl Strawberry
Catcher--Mike Piazza (just ahead of Gary Carter)
Starting Pitcher--Tom Seaver (though give me the first two year of Doc Gooden and I would compare him favorably to any pitcher in history)
Relief Pitcher--John Franco (Tug McGraw gets honorable mention)
Manager--Gil Hodges
Please share your list.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
David Wright Does Not Like Met Underdog Tee Shirts
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/ny-mets-david-wright-unimpressed-jeff-wilpon-underdog-motivational-tactics-article-1.1029698
I applaud David Wright for not supporting Jeff Wilpon's idea of the Under Dog tee-shirt for the Mets. Everyone knows they are an underdog, but I agree with Wright that they don't have to embrace the concept. I know it is February, but I think they will surprise a lot of people this year.
Also, Underdog was a terrible cartoon except for legendary bad guy, Simon Bar Sinister (who looked exactly like one of my college literature professors).
I applaud David Wright for not supporting Jeff Wilpon's idea of the Under Dog tee-shirt for the Mets. Everyone knows they are an underdog, but I agree with Wright that they don't have to embrace the concept. I know it is February, but I think they will surprise a lot of people this year.
Also, Underdog was a terrible cartoon except for legendary bad guy, Simon Bar Sinister (who looked exactly like one of my college literature professors).
Monday, February 20, 2012
Great Met Manager Quotes
Welcome to the first day of spring training. Nothing like it in life, especially when you are there in person. I still have very fond memories of a decade ago when I went to Met spring training and saw Sandy Koufax. He signed an autograph for my son and couldn't have been nicer. Mike Piazza was also a wonderful signer that day....What great memories. Will this be a year to remember? Will the Mets find their Jeremy Lin or Victor Cruz? Will Jason Bay right his Met career? Will Johan come back? So many questions and we have the next six months to watch them on fold. To celebrate spring training, here are some all-time great Met manager quotes.
"Baseball is like church. Many attend, but few understand."
--Wes Westrum, Former Met Manager, on describing baseball
"There are two kinds of managers. Winning managers an ex-managers."
--Gil Hodges, World Series winning Met Manager
"Our first Met game was April 10, 1962. And it was our best game. It was rained out."
--Casey Stengel, on the '62 Mets
"Understanding the use of an adjective or adverb and figuring out how to use verb tenses won't help you play baseball in the States. It's all about learning pitchers and teammates."
--Bobby Valentine
"The mentality of the club was that you didn't take anything for granted. Nothing. They called us names, they hated us around the league, called us arrogant. How can we be arrogant when we hadn't won anything yet?"
--Davey Johnson, on the 1986 Mets
"No, I'm not excited. It's no big deal. How the hell is a man my age going to get excited?"
--Joe Frazier, former Met Manger, on managing Opening Day at age 53
If you love sports quotes then get a sports quotes a day at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sports-Quotation-Man/125672394170091
"Baseball is like church. Many attend, but few understand."
--Wes Westrum, Former Met Manager, on describing baseball
"There are two kinds of managers. Winning managers an ex-managers."
--Gil Hodges, World Series winning Met Manager
"Our first Met game was April 10, 1962. And it was our best game. It was rained out."
--Casey Stengel, on the '62 Mets
"Understanding the use of an adjective or adverb and figuring out how to use verb tenses won't help you play baseball in the States. It's all about learning pitchers and teammates."
--Bobby Valentine
"The mentality of the club was that you didn't take anything for granted. Nothing. They called us names, they hated us around the league, called us arrogant. How can we be arrogant when we hadn't won anything yet?"
--Davey Johnson, on the 1986 Mets
"No, I'm not excited. It's no big deal. How the hell is a man my age going to get excited?"
--Joe Frazier, former Met Manger, on managing Opening Day at age 53
If you love sports quotes then get a sports quotes a day at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sports-Quotation-Man/125672394170091
Thursday, February 16, 2012
The Great Quotes of Gary Carter
As Met fans, one of the greatest days in our team's history was when we traded for Gary Carter. I remember at the time thinking we gave away a lot in a good hitting short stop in Hubie Brooks,big-time pitching prospect in Floyd Youmans, outfielder Herm Winningham and catcher Mike Fitzgerald, but you had to give up a lot to get a future Hall of Fame catcher.. Carter became the Met missing ingredient, their Dave DeBusschere.
I will miss him as a player---he conjures up so many great memories especially in Game 4 and Game 6 of the '86 World Series. More importantly than baseball, he will be missed as a person. Seemed like a wonderful man from all accounts who touched a lot of lives in a positive way. That is really the true measure of success in life.
Check out his greatest quotes at http://sportsquotation.
Then check out the greatest rally in baseball history (well at least in Met history)
I will miss him as a player---he conjures up so many great memories especially in Game 4 and Game 6 of the '86 World Series. More importantly than baseball, he will be missed as a person. Seemed like a wonderful man from all accounts who touched a lot of lives in a positive way. That is really the true measure of success in life.
Check out his greatest quotes at http://sportsquotation.
Then check out the greatest rally in baseball history (well at least in Met history)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
New York Mets 1986 World Series Trivia Answers
Here are the answers to the 1986 World Series New York Mets Trivia Questions. Let me know how you did?
1) John McNamara was the Red Sox Manager
2) The TV announcing team was Vin Scully and Joe Garagiola
3) The Future Hall of Famer who played for the Red Sox during the year but was not on the World Series roster was some guy named Tom Seaver
4) The Met who hit two home runs was Gary Carter
5) The winning pitcher for the Mets in Game 7 was Roger McDowell, but all Met fans remember the star pitcher for the Mets in Game 7 was Sid Fernandez
6) The Actress who sang Game 1 of the 1986 World Series was Glenn Close....Interesting choice back then. Didn't even know she sang.
7) The Boston politician who threw out the ball in Game 3 was Tip O'Neil the man who gave us the quote, 'All Politics is Local'
8) The Hall of Famer who threw out the ball in Game 5 was some guy named Ted Williams
9) Darryl Strawberry had one home run in the series and one RBI.
10) Gary Carter had 8 RBI's--four more than any other Met
11) The Red Sox Second Baseman Marty Barrett had a great series hitting. 433
12) The Red Sox had zero stolen bases in the entire series
13) The two Mets with three steals a piece were Darryl Strawberry and Mookie Wilson
14) The Singing Legend who sang the National Anthem in Game 2 was Billy Joel
15) Ray Knight was the MVP of the World Series
If you love trivia, check out our new web site trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
1) John McNamara was the Red Sox Manager
2) The TV announcing team was Vin Scully and Joe Garagiola
3) The Future Hall of Famer who played for the Red Sox during the year but was not on the World Series roster was some guy named Tom Seaver
4) The Met who hit two home runs was Gary Carter
5) The winning pitcher for the Mets in Game 7 was Roger McDowell, but all Met fans remember the star pitcher for the Mets in Game 7 was Sid Fernandez
6) The Actress who sang Game 1 of the 1986 World Series was Glenn Close....Interesting choice back then. Didn't even know she sang.
7) The Boston politician who threw out the ball in Game 3 was Tip O'Neil the man who gave us the quote, 'All Politics is Local'
8) The Hall of Famer who threw out the ball in Game 5 was some guy named Ted Williams
9) Darryl Strawberry had one home run in the series and one RBI.
10) Gary Carter had 8 RBI's--four more than any other Met
11) The Red Sox Second Baseman Marty Barrett had a great series hitting. 433
12) The Red Sox had zero stolen bases in the entire series
13) The two Mets with three steals a piece were Darryl Strawberry and Mookie Wilson
14) The Singing Legend who sang the National Anthem in Game 2 was Billy Joel
15) Ray Knight was the MVP of the World Series
If you love trivia, check out our new web site trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Andres Torres and Mental Health
Shame on me. Last week, I beat up Andres Torres for his terrible year last year. I couldn't imagine how the Mets possible lead off man could strike out almost one hundred times in 350 at bats. Well, statistics only tell a small part of the story. Apparently, from what I have read Torres was one of the all-time terrific guys as a Giant. His 2010 season was one of the reasons that the Giants had their World Series run. His fielding was flawless, he was clutch and showed great speed on the base paths. More importantly, he was a real class act.
As a mental health advocate in my day job, I was also struck by how Torres has a mental health issue that he has helped to overcome through therapy, recovery skills and medication. He was diagnosed with adult ADHD several years ago and apparently now, he is doing very well. He is now part of the handful of professional athletes who have talked openly about their mental health issues---Terry Bradshaw, Jerry West, Joey Votto, Zach Grienke, Dorothy Hamill, Meta World Peace (Ron Artest), and the list is growing.
One in five people in our country suffer with mental illness. The likelihood is that athletes in position of pressure consistently have an even higher rate of mental illness. Yet, because of the stigma of the illness, there are still only a few people who talk openly about their illness.The bottom line is that most people can recover and move forward in their lives That is why I applaud those people who have openly come out and talked about the illness. That is the best way that we will end this stigma and help people recover.
As both a Met fan and a mental health advocate, I just found my new favorite player on the Mets---Andres Torres. I can't wait to root him on this season.
As a mental health advocate in my day job, I was also struck by how Torres has a mental health issue that he has helped to overcome through therapy, recovery skills and medication. He was diagnosed with adult ADHD several years ago and apparently now, he is doing very well. He is now part of the handful of professional athletes who have talked openly about their mental health issues---Terry Bradshaw, Jerry West, Joey Votto, Zach Grienke, Dorothy Hamill, Meta World Peace (Ron Artest), and the list is growing.
One in five people in our country suffer with mental illness. The likelihood is that athletes in position of pressure consistently have an even higher rate of mental illness. Yet, because of the stigma of the illness, there are still only a few people who talk openly about their illness.The bottom line is that most people can recover and move forward in their lives That is why I applaud those people who have openly come out and talked about the illness. That is the best way that we will end this stigma and help people recover.
As both a Met fan and a mental health advocate, I just found my new favorite player on the Mets---Andres Torres. I can't wait to root him on this season.
1986 Mets and Red Sox World Series Trivia
Many of you liked the Game 6, 1986 World Series trivia contest. How well do you remember the rest of that epic 1986 World Series. Here are fifteen trivia questions about the 1986 World Series--no cheating. You'll have to wait till tomorrow to get the answers.
1) Who was the Red Sox Manager?
2) What was the announcing team that covered the series for NBC?
3) What future Hall of Fame pitcher was on the Red Sox roster during the year but did not participate in the World Series? Hint: Lot of irony in that answer
4) What Met hit two home runs in Game 4 to help back up the clutch pitching of Ron Darling?
5) Who was the winning pitcher in Game 7 of the Series?
6) What famous actress (then and now) sang the National Anthem in Game One at Shea Stadium?
7) What legendary Boston politician threw out the first ball in Game Three of the Series?
8) Which Hall of Famer threw out the first ball in Game Five of the Series at Fenway?
9) How many home runs and RBI's did Darryl Strawberry have in the World Series?
10) What Met led the team in RBI's in the Series with four more than anybody else on the team?
11) What Red Sox played in all seven games and hit .433 for the Series?
12) How many Stolen Bases did the Red Sox have in the Series?
13) What two Mets both had three stolen bases each in the Series?
14) What musical legend associated with New York sang the National Anthem in Game 2 of the Series at Shea Stadium?
15) Who was the World Series MVP?
1) Who was the Red Sox Manager?
2) What was the announcing team that covered the series for NBC?
3) What future Hall of Fame pitcher was on the Red Sox roster during the year but did not participate in the World Series? Hint: Lot of irony in that answer
4) What Met hit two home runs in Game 4 to help back up the clutch pitching of Ron Darling?
5) Who was the winning pitcher in Game 7 of the Series?
6) What famous actress (then and now) sang the National Anthem in Game One at Shea Stadium?
7) What legendary Boston politician threw out the first ball in Game Three of the Series?
8) Which Hall of Famer threw out the first ball in Game Five of the Series at Fenway?
9) How many home runs and RBI's did Darryl Strawberry have in the World Series?
10) What Met led the team in RBI's in the Series with four more than anybody else on the team?
11) What Red Sox played in all seven games and hit .433 for the Series?
12) How many Stolen Bases did the Red Sox have in the Series?
13) What two Mets both had three stolen bases each in the Series?
14) What musical legend associated with New York sang the National Anthem in Game 2 of the Series at Shea Stadium?
15) Who was the World Series MVP?
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Answers to New York Mets Game 6, 1986 World Series Trivia
Ready for the answers from the 1986 Game 6 World Series Mets/Red Sox Trivia.
1) The person who said that quote about David Henderson was the great Vin Scully
2) The only Met in the game with multiple hits was World Series MVP Ray Knight. His second hit was one of the most clutch in New York Met history with two strikes in the bottom of the tenth
3) Three Red Sox had three hits in the game. One was not a surprise, the other two were. The non-surprise was Wade Boggs. The two surprises were second baseman Marty Barrett and shortstop, Spike Owen. That meant the Red Sox infield had nine hits in the game (First Baseman Bill Buckner was hitless--tough game all around for Buckner)
4) The Met player who led off the tenth with an out was Wally Backman
5) Dave Stapleton was the normal replacement for Bill Buckner at first base
6) Bruce Hurst of the Red Sox was likely to be the World Series MVP if the Red Sox won in six games
7) Rick Aguilera was the winning pitcher despite giving up two runs in the top of the tenth
8) The legendary singer who sang the National Anthem before Game 6 was Paul Simon
Stay tuned for more Mets trivia.
1) The person who said that quote about David Henderson was the great Vin Scully
2) The only Met in the game with multiple hits was World Series MVP Ray Knight. His second hit was one of the most clutch in New York Met history with two strikes in the bottom of the tenth
3) Three Red Sox had three hits in the game. One was not a surprise, the other two were. The non-surprise was Wade Boggs. The two surprises were second baseman Marty Barrett and shortstop, Spike Owen. That meant the Red Sox infield had nine hits in the game (First Baseman Bill Buckner was hitless--tough game all around for Buckner)
4) The Met player who led off the tenth with an out was Wally Backman
5) Dave Stapleton was the normal replacement for Bill Buckner at first base
6) Bruce Hurst of the Red Sox was likely to be the World Series MVP if the Red Sox won in six games
7) Rick Aguilera was the winning pitcher despite giving up two runs in the top of the tenth
8) The legendary singer who sang the National Anthem before Game 6 was Paul Simon
Stay tuned for more Mets trivia.
Friday, February 10, 2012
1986 World Series Game 6 New York Met Trivia
Game Six of the 1986 World Series between the Mets and The Red Sox was the greatest game in baseball history. I don't think it will ever be matched. Of course, all of us Met fans know the key to victory was the women in the second row behind home plate who kept moving her arms in a circular motion during every pitch (the greatest fan of all-time).
The only piece I felt bad about was making Bill Buckner into a goat. Sure, he made a bad play but the Mets had already tied the game. To me, it would have been much worse if he had let in the tying run. Also, it overshadowed what was a great career as a hitter. I hope the same does not become true for Wes Welker.
Anyway for all of us Met lovers out there, here are some trivia questions from Game 6 of the 1986 World Series (no cheating)
1) Who said after David Henderson hit the go ahead Home Run for the Red Sox in the Top of the tenth, "It was so quiet in New York, you can almost hear Boston?"
2) Who was the only Met player with multiple hits in the game?
3) Three Red Sox players had three hits in Game 6. Can you name any of them?
4) Many of us remember Keith Hernandez making the second out of the bottom of the tenth for the Mets. Do you remember who made the first out that inning for the Mets?
5) Who was the normal defensive replacement for Bill Buckner at first base in late innings of games?
6) Who was scheduled to be World Series MVP if the Red Sox had won in six games?
7) Who won the game for the Mets despite giving up two runs in the top of the 10th?
8) Who sang the National Anthem before Game 6?
If you love trivia then check out trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
The only piece I felt bad about was making Bill Buckner into a goat. Sure, he made a bad play but the Mets had already tied the game. To me, it would have been much worse if he had let in the tying run. Also, it overshadowed what was a great career as a hitter. I hope the same does not become true for Wes Welker.
Anyway for all of us Met lovers out there, here are some trivia questions from Game 6 of the 1986 World Series (no cheating)
1) Who said after David Henderson hit the go ahead Home Run for the Red Sox in the Top of the tenth, "It was so quiet in New York, you can almost hear Boston?"
2) Who was the only Met player with multiple hits in the game?
3) Three Red Sox players had three hits in Game 6. Can you name any of them?
4) Many of us remember Keith Hernandez making the second out of the bottom of the tenth for the Mets. Do you remember who made the first out that inning for the Mets?
5) Who was the normal defensive replacement for Bill Buckner at first base in late innings of games?
6) Who was scheduled to be World Series MVP if the Red Sox had won in six games?
7) Who won the game for the Mets despite giving up two runs in the top of the 10th?
8) Who sang the National Anthem before Game 6?
If you love trivia then check out trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Answers to New York Mets TV Commercial Trivia
How well do you know your favorite New York Mets in TV commercials? These are the answers to the Mets Commercial Trivia quiz. This was a rough one. I would have been lucky to have hit .500
1) The commercial where a Met catchers' wife appeared for Gulden's Mustard was Jerry Grote. The commercial featured his wife Sharon.
2) The Soda that Tom and Nancy Seaver did an ad for was RC Cola
3) The official Met beer from 1974-1979 was Schaefer---"The most rewarding flavor in this man's world"
4) The long time beer sponsor of the Mets before Schaefer was Rheingold---"My beer is Rheingold the dry beer. Think of Rheingold whenever you buy beer"
5) The Met pitcher who appeared in a Diet Pepsi TV Commercial with Catfish Hunter was a very young Dwight Gooden
6) The Met star from the 90's who did a commercial for Pert Shampoo was Mike Piazza (that should be an easy one)
7) What Met great did the Just for Men Gray Hair commercial with Walt Frazier. It was Keith Hernandez
8) The long time Met who did an ad for Gillette foamy in 1978 was Ed Kranepool
9) The Met player who did a Milk ad in 1986 was Darryl Strawberry
1)) The Met Hall of Famer who did the Ivory Soap commercial was Gary Carter.
How did you do? Share your results.
1) The commercial where a Met catchers' wife appeared for Gulden's Mustard was Jerry Grote. The commercial featured his wife Sharon.
2) The Soda that Tom and Nancy Seaver did an ad for was RC Cola
3) The official Met beer from 1974-1979 was Schaefer---"The most rewarding flavor in this man's world"
4) The long time beer sponsor of the Mets before Schaefer was Rheingold---"My beer is Rheingold the dry beer. Think of Rheingold whenever you buy beer"
5) The Met pitcher who appeared in a Diet Pepsi TV Commercial with Catfish Hunter was a very young Dwight Gooden
6) The Met star from the 90's who did a commercial for Pert Shampoo was Mike Piazza (that should be an easy one)
7) What Met great did the Just for Men Gray Hair commercial with Walt Frazier. It was Keith Hernandez
8) The long time Met who did an ad for Gillette foamy in 1978 was Ed Kranepool
9) The Met player who did a Milk ad in 1986 was Darryl Strawberry
1)) The Met Hall of Famer who did the Ivory Soap commercial was Gary Carter.
How did you do? Share your results.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
New York Mets TV Commercial Trivia Challenge
How well do you remember New York Mets in television commercials? Many Met players have been pitch men over the years. See how good your memory is by taking this New York Met Commercial Trivia Challenge. Answers will appear tomorrow.
1) What Met catcher's wife appeared in a T.V. commercial for Gulden's Mustard?
2) What soda did Tom and Nancy Seaver do commercials for?
3) What beer company sponsored the Mets from 1974-1979 (hint-- looking back, they have the worst tag line of all-time with 'the one beer to have when you're having more then one')
4) Who was the other long time beer sponsor of the Mets before 1974?
5) What Met pitching great appeared in a Diet Pepsi ad with Catfish Hunter?
6) What Met star did a commercial for Pert Shampoo in the 90's?
7) What Met great appeared in a commercial with Walt Frazier for Just for Men Get Rid of the Gray?
8) What long time Met appeared in a series of commercials in the late 70's for Gillette Foamy?
9) What Met power hitter did a commercial for Milk in the 1980's?
10) What future Hall of Famer did a commercial for Ivory Soap where he greeted his daughters at the end of the commercial?
If you love trivia then check out our new trivia blog, trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
1) What Met catcher's wife appeared in a T.V. commercial for Gulden's Mustard?
2) What soda did Tom and Nancy Seaver do commercials for?
3) What beer company sponsored the Mets from 1974-1979 (hint-- looking back, they have the worst tag line of all-time with 'the one beer to have when you're having more then one')
4) Who was the other long time beer sponsor of the Mets before 1974?
5) What Met pitching great appeared in a Diet Pepsi ad with Catfish Hunter?
6) What Met star did a commercial for Pert Shampoo in the 90's?
7) What Met great appeared in a commercial with Walt Frazier for Just for Men Get Rid of the Gray?
8) What long time Met appeared in a series of commercials in the late 70's for Gillette Foamy?
9) What Met power hitter did a commercial for Milk in the 1980's?
10) What future Hall of Famer did a commercial for Ivory Soap where he greeted his daughters at the end of the commercial?
If you love trivia then check out our new trivia blog, trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Projected 2012 Mets Opening Day Lineup and Andres Torres
As I look at Met roster and project opening day lineup, I would imagine that as of now, they have to be thinking of Andres Torres as the lead off hitter? My projection for Opening Day Lineup would look like this, Torres, Tejada, Wright, Bay, Davis, Duda, Murphy, Thole (got to find a place for Turner), which on the surface is not a bad lineup. Of course it depends on a lot of things like a healthy Ike, a rejuvenated Bay, etc.
I've got to say that Torres had a bizarre statistical year last year. On the down side and it is a major down side, the guy hit .221 in 337 at bats. That is about as bad as it gets. At least, I thought so until I saw that he struck out an incredible 95 times. However, there are pluses (I try to be a Met optimist), he did have twenty four doubles and 19 steals. If he is opening day lead off hitter, it could be one of the largest statistical down grades in history. Going from a guy who lead the league in hitting to a guy who hit .221. That can't be good.
I've got to say that Torres had a bizarre statistical year last year. On the down side and it is a major down side, the guy hit .221 in 337 at bats. That is about as bad as it gets. At least, I thought so until I saw that he struck out an incredible 95 times. However, there are pluses (I try to be a Met optimist), he did have twenty four doubles and 19 steals. If he is opening day lead off hitter, it could be one of the largest statistical down grades in history. Going from a guy who lead the league in hitting to a guy who hit .221. That can't be good.
Answers to 1969 New York Mets Trivia
I am sure thousands of you were chomping at the bit to get the answers to the trivia questions about the 1969 New York Mets. Well here they are:
1) The Met who caught the last out was Cleon Jones. Of course, Met fans know the irony of the player who made the last out---Davey Johnson. The same man who seventeen years later led them to their only other World Series championship.
2) Double N, Donn Clendenon was the World Series MVP. Growing up, we always referred to him as Double N (for the spelling of his first name), I always assumed that was his nickname. When I met him later in life, I asked him about the nickname. He looked at me like I came from another planet. As great as Clendenon was, I thought the MVP should have been Jerry Koosman.
3) Don Buford led off the Orioles home first in Game One with a home run, which reinforced the idea of many that the '69 Series would be a massacre.
4) The Mets swept the Braves in three games to get to the Series. It was the first year of the baseball playoffs.
5) Gary Gentry was the starter in Game Three who pitched six clutch innings of shutout baseball. It didn't hurt having Tommie Agee making one of his two legendary catches in center field. He made the other famous catch when the relief pitcher came in the game, some kid named Nolan Ryan.
6) The famous tenth inning throw that hit J.C. Martin running to first base in Game 4 in the World Series was thrown by Pete Rickert.
7) The Oriole pitcher who helped stake them to an early lead in Game 5 by hitting a home run was Dave McNally
8) In 1969, the A.L. MVP was Harmon Killebrew. The Oriole who came in second was Boog Powell. Third in the MVP voting that year was Frank Robinson
9) Lou DiMuro was the umpire involved in the shoe polish play. One of Gil Hodges greatest moments as a manager
10) The list of the top ten N.L. voting for MVP in 1969 read like the Who's Who of the greatest players of the era. Every player on the Top Ten voting became a Hall of Famer including Tom Seaver who was second in the voting. The only two who did not make it to the Hall of Fame were Met position players. Tommie Agee finished sixth in the voting and Cleon Jones finished 7th.
If you love trivia then check out our new site trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
1) The Met who caught the last out was Cleon Jones. Of course, Met fans know the irony of the player who made the last out---Davey Johnson. The same man who seventeen years later led them to their only other World Series championship.
2) Double N, Donn Clendenon was the World Series MVP. Growing up, we always referred to him as Double N (for the spelling of his first name), I always assumed that was his nickname. When I met him later in life, I asked him about the nickname. He looked at me like I came from another planet. As great as Clendenon was, I thought the MVP should have been Jerry Koosman.
3) Don Buford led off the Orioles home first in Game One with a home run, which reinforced the idea of many that the '69 Series would be a massacre.
4) The Mets swept the Braves in three games to get to the Series. It was the first year of the baseball playoffs.
5) Gary Gentry was the starter in Game Three who pitched six clutch innings of shutout baseball. It didn't hurt having Tommie Agee making one of his two legendary catches in center field. He made the other famous catch when the relief pitcher came in the game, some kid named Nolan Ryan.
6) The famous tenth inning throw that hit J.C. Martin running to first base in Game 4 in the World Series was thrown by Pete Rickert.
7) The Oriole pitcher who helped stake them to an early lead in Game 5 by hitting a home run was Dave McNally
8) In 1969, the A.L. MVP was Harmon Killebrew. The Oriole who came in second was Boog Powell. Third in the MVP voting that year was Frank Robinson
9) Lou DiMuro was the umpire involved in the shoe polish play. One of Gil Hodges greatest moments as a manager
10) The list of the top ten N.L. voting for MVP in 1969 read like the Who's Who of the greatest players of the era. Every player on the Top Ten voting became a Hall of Famer including Tom Seaver who was second in the voting. The only two who did not make it to the Hall of Fame were Met position players. Tommie Agee finished sixth in the voting and Cleon Jones finished 7th.
If you love trivia then check out our new site trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
Thursday, February 2, 2012
1969 World Series Trivia
How well do you know the 1969 New York Mets World Series run? Well here are a dozen 1969 World Series Trivia Questions. See how you do...Answers will be posted tomorrow.
1) Who caught the final out of Game 5 of the 1969 World Series?
2) Who was the World Series MVP?
3) Who led off Game 1 with a home run?
4) Who did the Mets sweep in the Playoffs to get to the World Series?
5) Who was the Mets starting pitcher in Game 3 of the Series who threw six innings of shutout ball?
6) Who hit J.C. Martin while he was running to First Base in Game 4 of the Series?
7) What Oriole pitcher hit a home run in Game 5 of the World Series?
8) What Oriole player finished second in the MVP voting that year, 67 points behind Harmon Killebrew?
9) How many other Cy Young Awards did Tom Seaver win besides 1969?
10) In what movie did George Burns say, 'The last miracle I performed was the 1969 Mets. Before that I think you'd have to go back to the Red Sea?"
11) Who was the umpire who awarded Cleon Jones first base in the famous shoe polish play in Game 5/
12) Who were the two Met position players in the top ten in the NL MVP voting? (they were the only two in the Top Ten not in the Baseball Hall of Fame)
If you love trivia then check out trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
1) Who caught the final out of Game 5 of the 1969 World Series?
2) Who was the World Series MVP?
3) Who led off Game 1 with a home run?
4) Who did the Mets sweep in the Playoffs to get to the World Series?
5) Who was the Mets starting pitcher in Game 3 of the Series who threw six innings of shutout ball?
6) Who hit J.C. Martin while he was running to First Base in Game 4 of the Series?
7) What Oriole pitcher hit a home run in Game 5 of the World Series?
8) What Oriole player finished second in the MVP voting that year, 67 points behind Harmon Killebrew?
9) How many other Cy Young Awards did Tom Seaver win besides 1969?
10) In what movie did George Burns say, 'The last miracle I performed was the 1969 Mets. Before that I think you'd have to go back to the Red Sea?"
11) Who was the umpire who awarded Cleon Jones first base in the famous shoe polish play in Game 5/
12) Who were the two Met position players in the top ten in the NL MVP voting? (they were the only two in the Top Ten not in the Baseball Hall of Fame)
If you love trivia then check out trivia man at http://triviaman.blogspot.com/
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Great Quotes about Mets Hall of Fame
What's it like to be in the Mets Hall of Fame? Well to many of the inductees it is a great honor. Here are some quotes from all-time great Mets on being inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame.
1) "I'm very honored and humbled and you guys know it's not easy to humble me."
--Davey Johnson, said to reporters after being inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2010
2) "If you're a baseball fan, you're a history fan. This is history and the best part of being a baseball fan. It brings back memories you have when you first fall in love with the game."
--Tom Seaver, on what the Mets new Hall of Fame in Citi Field means to him
3) "We're in the Mets Hall of Fame, that's the Cooperstown Hall of Fame to me."
--Darryl Strawberry, on being inducted into the Mets HOF in 2010 along side Dwight Gooden, Frank Cashen and Davey Johnson
4) "Growing up rooting for the Mets, it's an honor and very special for a kid from Brooklyn."
--John Franco, on being elected to the 2012 Mets Hall of Fame
5) "For me, I was always a Met at heart."
--Dwight Gooden, on being elected to the Met Hall of Fame
Who currently on the team will be in the Met Hall of Fame? Wright is a lock, Santana is a probable...Anyone else?
1) "I'm very honored and humbled and you guys know it's not easy to humble me."
--Davey Johnson, said to reporters after being inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2010
2) "If you're a baseball fan, you're a history fan. This is history and the best part of being a baseball fan. It brings back memories you have when you first fall in love with the game."
--Tom Seaver, on what the Mets new Hall of Fame in Citi Field means to him
3) "We're in the Mets Hall of Fame, that's the Cooperstown Hall of Fame to me."
--Darryl Strawberry, on being inducted into the Mets HOF in 2010 along side Dwight Gooden, Frank Cashen and Davey Johnson
4) "Growing up rooting for the Mets, it's an honor and very special for a kid from Brooklyn."
--John Franco, on being elected to the 2012 Mets Hall of Fame
5) "For me, I was always a Met at heart."
--Dwight Gooden, on being elected to the Met Hall of Fame
Who currently on the team will be in the Met Hall of Fame? Wright is a lock, Santana is a probable...Anyone else?
Friday, January 27, 2012
Top Ten Save Leaders in Met History
In honor of Johnny Franco being announced as the newest member of the Mets Hall of Fame, I tthought it would be a good time to list the Top Ten Met Save Leaders. Notice how many more saves Franco has then any other Met pitcher. It is over a hundred more then the reliever in second place.
Here is the Top Ten:
1) --John Franco---276
2) Armando Benitez---160
3) Jesse Orosco--107
4) Billy Wagner--101
5) Tug McGraw---85
6) Roger McDowell--84
7) K Rod--83 (I'm sure he would have fought to stay if he knew he was only three away from being 5th on the list)
8) Neil Allen--69
9) Skip Lockwood--65
10) Braden Looper---57
My top three are:
3) John Franco---Best Met Reliever of all-time and should have had a World Series ring.
2) Tug McGraw--Loved his fun loving qualities and his enthusism. Rarely has a relief pitcher completely changed a team mindset as he did in their 1973 run
1) Jesse Orosco---When I think of Orosco, I think of the '86 World Series and how clutch he was. Without taking anything away from Ray Knight, Orosco should have been MVP. The reason the Mets won the Series is we had Orosco and they had Schiraldi.
Who is your favorite Met reliever?
Here is the Top Ten:
1) --John Franco---276
2) Armando Benitez---160
3) Jesse Orosco--107
4) Billy Wagner--101
5) Tug McGraw---85
6) Roger McDowell--84
7) K Rod--83 (I'm sure he would have fought to stay if he knew he was only three away from being 5th on the list)
8) Neil Allen--69
9) Skip Lockwood--65
10) Braden Looper---57
My top three are:
3) John Franco---Best Met Reliever of all-time and should have had a World Series ring.
2) Tug McGraw--Loved his fun loving qualities and his enthusism. Rarely has a relief pitcher completely changed a team mindset as he did in their 1973 run
1) Jesse Orosco---When I think of Orosco, I think of the '86 World Series and how clutch he was. Without taking anything away from Ray Knight, Orosco should have been MVP. The reason the Mets won the Series is we had Orosco and they had Schiraldi.
Who is your favorite Met reliever?
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Great Gil Hodges Quotes
There are only two Met managers in history to win World Series. Every Met fan knows who they are---Joe Frazier and George Bamberger. Just wanted to see if you were paying attention. Of course, it is Gil Hodges and Davey Johnson. Hodges was one of New York's most beloved sports figures, first as the great Brooklyn Dodger First Baseman. Joe Torre said of Hodges, "He played first base like a lefthander---he was so smooth." Of course, Met fans remember him as the Manager of the Miracle Mets of 1969. To his credit, even though he passed away forty years ago, he still is loved by his players.
Here are some great quotes about the managerial abilities of Gil Hodges:
Time to put the Gil Hodges in the Hall of Fame.
Here are some great quotes about the managerial abilities of Gil Hodges:
"We should've been completing long after 1969, with his leadership we probably would have."
--Ed Kranepool, on Hodges as a manager
"I loved the man I really did. I think if you talk to anybody, the reason we won was him. He made us all better."
--Bud Harrelson, on Hodges.
"He was the most important man in my career."
--Tom Seaver, on Gil Hodges
Time to put the Gil Hodges in the Hall of Fame.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
1969 New York Mets World Series
We have redesigned our web page to show a video bar of the highlights of the 1969 World Series. If you still get goose bumps when you see Cleon Jones make that final catch then this video bar is made for you. I watched it a few minutes ago and I screamed out, 'Way to Go Koos' Good thing I was far enough away from everyone else in my family.
Check it out on the left side of the blog for the highlights. In the mean time, less then a month till pitchers and catchers and the 2012 Mets are given about the same chance as the 1969 Mets. Hope springs eternal in the off season.
Check it out on the left side of the blog for the highlights. In the mean time, less then a month till pitchers and catchers and the 2012 Mets are given about the same chance as the 1969 Mets. Hope springs eternal in the off season.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Some Classic Ralph Kinerisms: Kiners Korner
I loved Kiners Korner especially after a Met win. Everyone loved talking to Ralph---you knew it was puff stuff but you didn't care. It was not meant to be a forum for penetrating questions and Ralph was the perfect host. It also plays into the mentality of watching the game for two and a half hours (at least back then) and then talking about it for the next two and a half hours.
Of course as we know, Ralph was more then a host--he was part of the announcing triumvirate that included himself, Lindsey Nelson (whose suit jackets would have made even Craig Sager blush) and Bob Murphy (the happy recap). Ralph was famous for several things including being one of the most powerful hitters of his era and a hall of famer. Met fans though love Ralph for his announcing days and his many malaprops. Here are some classic Ralph Kinerisms:
"Rookie Wilson was candidate for Mookie of the year."
"Third base is certainly a reactionary position"
"All the Mets' road wins against Los Angeles this year have been at Dodger Stadium"
"The Mets have gotten their leadoff hitter on base only once in this inning."
"They will pass the father-son tandem of Buddy Bell and Yogi Berra."
--on Bobby and Barry Bonds becoming the all-time father-son home-run leaders
Of course as we know, Ralph was more then a host--he was part of the announcing triumvirate that included himself, Lindsey Nelson (whose suit jackets would have made even Craig Sager blush) and Bob Murphy (the happy recap). Ralph was famous for several things including being one of the most powerful hitters of his era and a hall of famer. Met fans though love Ralph for his announcing days and his many malaprops. Here are some classic Ralph Kinerisms:
"Rookie Wilson was candidate for Mookie of the year."
"Third base is certainly a reactionary position"
"All the Mets' road wins against Los Angeles this year have been at Dodger Stadium"
"The Mets have gotten their leadoff hitter on base only once in this inning."
"They will pass the father-son tandem of Buddy Bell and Yogi Berra."
--on Bobby and Barry Bonds becoming the all-time father-son home-run leaders
Friday, January 20, 2012
Five Top Selling Cookies in the United States
Met fans love cookies. We especially love cookies because we have so much time on our hands especially from mid August through early October.
Check out my list on the five top selling cookies in the United States and my own favorites as well. Probably not the best thing to be writing about since I'm on a diet. Check it out at http://listman.blogspot.com/
Check out my list on the five top selling cookies in the United States and my own favorites as well. Probably not the best thing to be writing about since I'm on a diet. Check it out at http://listman.blogspot.com/
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Gary 'The Kid' Carter Quotes
As a Met fan, I have such wonderful memories of Gary Carter especially from the 1986 run. He played the game with such unbridled enthusiasm. He was not just a steady influence behind the plate every day but he was a great all-around catcher. Sure, he had all-time great offensive numbers for a catcher, but people forget what a great defensive catcher he was. Pete Rose once said of Carter, "I don't think he has any weaknesses defensively." My thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time.
In honor of his great career, here are some all-time great quotes by and about Gary Carter.
"I've never seen Gary Carter take a bad swing."
--Whitey Herzog
"We're all wearing the hats of a Hall of Famer, It doesn't matter what logo is on it."
--Gary Carter, asked if he wanted to be enshrined as an Expo or a Met (he ended up going in as an Expo)
"You hate him when he's on the other team and you love when he's a teammate."
--Davey Johnson
"You can count on the fingers of your right had, the number of times I've hit a homer to the opposite field--About ten."
--Gary Carter
"Carter is a great player. I'd love to see him catch for the Phillies."
--Mike Schmidt
"With Gary, it is as genuine then (as a rookie) as it is now (end of his career)."
--Steve Rodgers, on Carter's enthusiasm for the game
In honor of his great career, here are some all-time great quotes by and about Gary Carter.
"I've never seen Gary Carter take a bad swing."
--Whitey Herzog
"We're all wearing the hats of a Hall of Famer, It doesn't matter what logo is on it."
--Gary Carter, asked if he wanted to be enshrined as an Expo or a Met (he ended up going in as an Expo)
"You hate him when he's on the other team and you love when he's a teammate."
--Davey Johnson
"You can count on the fingers of your right had, the number of times I've hit a homer to the opposite field--About ten."
--Gary Carter
"Carter is a great player. I'd love to see him catch for the Phillies."
--Mike Schmidt
"With Gary, it is as genuine then (as a rookie) as it is now (end of his career)."
--Steve Rodgers, on Carter's enthusiasm for the game
What Meet the Mets Means to Me
As a Met fan, if Meet the Mets doesn't get you going, I don't know what will. I don't know how many times I sang this song in my life, but it has to be in the thousands. It is the greatest motivational baseball song.
'Bring your kiddies, bring your wife, guaranteed to have the time of your life" It's not Robert Frost, but those lyrics are poetry to me.
So lets get psyched, we are only a month away from spring training. Remember last year who picked the Cardinal to win the World Series (especially after Adam Wainwright got hurt) or had picked the Giants the year before. Lightning in a bottle could strike and we could be contenders, but win or lose, we still have the greatest motivational baseball song....'Meet the M.E.T.S Mets of New York Town"
'Bring your kiddies, bring your wife, guaranteed to have the time of your life" It's not Robert Frost, but those lyrics are poetry to me.
So lets get psyched, we are only a month away from spring training. Remember last year who picked the Cardinal to win the World Series (especially after Adam Wainwright got hurt) or had picked the Giants the year before. Lightning in a bottle could strike and we could be contenders, but win or lose, we still have the greatest motivational baseball song....'Meet the M.E.T.S Mets of New York Town"
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Rusty Staub Quotes and Video
Loved Rusty Staub. He was one of the greatest hitters and slowest runners in Met history. I would say he would be the prototype DH, but he was actually a decent fielder for a player with no speed.
Here are a few Rusty Staub quotes:
"Jack Daniels stock doesn't drop when I'm flying between baseball games."
--Rusty Staub, on his fear of flying
"As a first baseman, he's a good hitter."
--Joe Torre, on Rusty Staub
Some video clips of Le Grande Orange, Rusty Staub
Here are a few Rusty Staub quotes:
"Jack Daniels stock doesn't drop when I'm flying between baseball games."
--Rusty Staub, on his fear of flying
"As a first baseman, he's a good hitter."
--Joe Torre, on Rusty Staub
Some video clips of Le Grande Orange, Rusty Staub
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Tug McGraw in Quotes and Video
One of the all-time great Mets is Tug McGraw. The man who started the You Gotta Believe Campaign in 1973 which helped lead them to their second World Series.More then that, he was a terrific relief pitcher and one of baseball's all-time great characters (on top of that he is the father of country singing legend, Tim McGraw).
Here are a few classic Tug McGraw Quotes:
"In high schools, colleges and some countries, there learning a game that's not baseball."
--Tug McGraw, on the DH rule
"I have no trouble with the 12 inches between my elbow and my palm. It's the seven inches between my ears that's bent."
"Root only for the winner. That way you won't be disappointed."
"90% of the money I'll spend on good times, women and Irish Whiskey. The other 10% I'll probably waste."
Check out this Tug McGraw, Willie Mays, Ed Kranepool and other player interviews before The 1973 World Series.
Here are a few classic Tug McGraw Quotes:
"In high schools, colleges and some countries, there learning a game that's not baseball."
--Tug McGraw, on the DH rule
"I have no trouble with the 12 inches between my elbow and my palm. It's the seven inches between my ears that's bent."
"Root only for the winner. That way you won't be disappointed."
"90% of the money I'll spend on good times, women and Irish Whiskey. The other 10% I'll probably waste."
Check out this Tug McGraw, Willie Mays, Ed Kranepool and other player interviews before The 1973 World Series.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Tribute to 1962 New York Mets: Quotes and Video
To honor the lovable losers known as the 1962 New York Mets, here are some great Casey Stengel quotes as well as insight from other Met players.
"You might not be, but your outfielders are."
--Casey Stengel, after Stengel went to take Bob Miller out of a game and Miller said he wasn't tired
"Not a bit, we lose at any altitude."
--Casey Stengel, asked if the altitude contributed to the Mets losing an exhibition game in Mexico
"I don't know if a team that lost so much was so loved. I don't know if that existed before or after."
--Bob Miller
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